WELCOME TO THE EXPANSE!
You hold in your hands a gate, if you will, to The Expanse roleplaying game, a far-future world based on the exciting series
of science fiction novels. Here, you play a character much as you might in a video game, but with pen, paper, and dice,
along with friends to play other roles. This is a quickstart: a set of condensed rules and an adventure designed to intro-
duce you to the game, with everything you need to start playing right away. We hope you and your friends will visit The
Expanse and give the game a try!
The Expanse is designed for you to play out adventures and stories set in the solar system described in The Expanse
novels by James S.A. Corey—a future where humanity has spread out from Earth to settle Mars, the asteroid belt, and the
moons of Jupiter and Saturn. Cold-war tensions have existed between the United Nations of Earth and the Martian Congres-
sional Republic for some time, with both great powers surviving off the labor and resources of the Belters, the inhabitants
of the Belt and the Outer Planets. The so-called Outer Planets Alliance has agitated for attention and justice from the Inner
Planets, but to no avail. Now, the discovery of truly alien technology called “the protomolecule” has changed the balance
of power. An unscrupulous corporation has allowed the protomolecule to consume thousands of inhabitants of the asteroid
station Eros. Since Eros crashed onto the surface of Venus, the solar system has teetered on the brink of all-out war. What
will arise from Venus’s swirling clouds once the protomolecule has done its work?
In the full-fledged Expanse game, you and your friends would create a crew of characters and decide what sorts of adven-
tures you want to embark on. For this quickstart, we’ve simplified matters, giving you a ready-made crew (find their character
sheets at the end of this book) and a ready-made adventure for them.
What's Included
The Expanse Quickstart has three parts. The first is a condensed guide to the game rules, including a quick reference sheet
players can keep handy during play. The second is an adventure called Cupbearer. The third is a crew of six pre-generated
characters for the players (referred to as player characters or PCs for short).
What You’ll Need
To play this quickstart you’ll need at least two people, though four to seven is best. One person takes the role of Game
Master (GM) and the others will be players. You’ll also need at least three regular, six-sided dice (d6). Ideally, one of the
dice should be a different color or size than the others. You’ll also need copies of various parts of this quickstart, but more
on that later. Pencils and paper, or electronic means of recording information at the table, are also necessary.
1
Quickstart Rules THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
About the Rules If You’ve Never Roleplayed Before
The condensed rules presented in If you’re interested in trying this but have no idea what tabletop roleplaying is all about, that’s
the Expanse Quickstart cover the great! Roleplaying is some of the most fun you’ll ever have with your friends, but teaching all of
basics, but you should be aware the basics of roleplaying is a bit beyond this quickstart. Start by going online and searching for
that many rules included in the full some basic info. The Wikipedia page “role-playing game (pen and paper)” is a little dry, but a
game have been left out. None of decent starting point. Better yet, track down a friend who’s done this kind of thing before and
the character creation rules are rope them into showing you how it’s done, or check out online videos of people playing tabletop
included, for example, nor are RPGs. The full Expanse game also introduces the concepts of roleplaying, and gives advice to
systems for spaceship combat or GMs. Trust us, you’re going to love it.
the like. Many rules have been
simplified or narrowed for use in Before You Play
this single context to ease you into
the system. If you run Cupbearer Before the group gets together to play, the GM should read this whole quickstart, print out one
with the full Expanse rules, expand copy of each pre-generated player character, and print out enough copies of the Quick Refer-
opportunities you see in the adven-
ture to work with them.
ence sheet for each player to have one. Other players can read the rules section of the quick-
start if they want to, but shouldn’t read the adventure (spoilers!). It may also help the players
get into the world if you print or copy the Welcome to the Expanse page (previously) so each player can read that, too,
especially if they’re not already familiar with it.
The Character Sheet
Everything a player needs to know during the game can be found on their character sheet. Let’s start a tour of the Expanse
character sheet by looking at its backbone: the nine abilities.
Accuracy measures aim and precision, and measures your ability to hit targets with ranged or thrown weapons.
Communication covers social skills and generally making friends and influencing people.
Constitution is your character’s overall health, fortitude, and resistance to harm, illness, and fatigue.
Dexterity covers deftness, agility, and reaction time, affecting how quickly and gracefully you move.
Fighting is your character’s capability in close combat, ranging from a brawl to wielding weapons.
Intelligence measures a character’s reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and overall knowledge.
Perception is the ability to pick up on and notice things using any of the character’s senses.
Strength is sheer muscle power and the ability to apply it, from lifting heavy things to feats of athletics.
Willpower measures self-control, self-discipline, mental fortitude, and confidence.
Abilities are scored on a numeric scale from –2 (quite poor) to 4 (truly outstanding), though exceptional characters and
creatures may have scores outside this range. Your character’s ability scores provide a “snapshot” description of the areas
where your character is outstanding, above average, average, or poor, and you use these scores to determine the outcome
of most actions in the game. A score of 1 is considered average for player characters, who are, after all the main characters
of the story. A score of 0 is average for everyday individuals, the sort of folks who avoid adventures and getting into all sorts
of trouble.
Some abilities are followed by boxed text. These are focuses, areas of expertise that fall under that ability. Focuses are
generally self-explanatory. For example, characters with the Persuasion focus are especially good at using their Communica-
tion ability to persuade someone. It’s important to note that characters don’t need to have a focus to try something. A focus
is just an added benefit for characters with special aptitude or training. For example, characters without Persuasion can still
try to persuade people. They simply use their Communication score without any added bonus.
When abilities and focuses are written out in the rules or an adventure, the focus follows its ability. You might read
Communication (Persuasion) or Perception (Seeing), for example.
2
THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART ADDISON GRANT
ADE AKINTOLA
Next, you’ll notice some other characteristics and numbers on the character sheet. CASEY KHATRI
CHAO SOKOLOV
Speed governs how fast your character can move. The Run and Move actions (see the Actions IZZY MOON
section) use Speed to determine how far you can go on your turn. NICO VELEZ 3
Defense is the target number (TN) your opponent needs to roll to hit your character with an
attack. (More on target numbers is coming soon.)
Toughness subtracts from the damage of incoming attacks. It’s usually a combination of
natural ability and any armor or protection your character might have or wear.
Fortune is a measure of your character’s luck or good fortune, among other things, Fortune
can be used to ward off damage, preventing your character from being seriously hurt. It can
also help you out in tough situations when your character might otherwise fail. Use it wisely!
You’ve only got so much and, sooner or later, your luck runs out.
Relationships are special emotional connections with other characters, and sometimes even
with ideas or ideals such as Honor or Vengeance. These give your character extra motivation
to succeed. You can draw on your Relationship once per game session to gain extra Stunt
Points (SP), which you can use even if you don’t roll doubles. (More on Stunt Points in a bit.)
Income is how much your character can afford by making an Income test: 3d6 + your Income
rating against a Cost target number.
Furthermore, each character has a background, a profession, and a drive. Your character’s back-
ground is the lifestyle they grew up with, their profession is how they’ve gotten along in the world,
and their drive is a personality factor that motivates them to do unusual—even dangerous—things.
Character Types
The Expanse doesn’t have the character classes used in many other roleplaying games (including its
“cousin,” the Fantasy AGE RPG). As characters develop beyond their backgrounds and professions,
they choose their own paths. For efficiency, each sample character has a particular set of skills:
Addison “Addy” Grant is an engineer with a zest for life who’s good at fixing things and
making friends.
Ade Akintola is a natural leader with ambition and an eye for intrigue.
Casey Khatri is an ex-soldier, good to have in a brawl as well as when it comes to putting
things together.
Chao Sokolov is a compassionate medic with a criminal past, and the skills to match.
Izzy Moon is a smart, self-taught hacker who knows how to make do with what’s at hand.
Nico Velez is a cynical pilot, trained in the United Nations Navy but not suited for the military life.
You can find their character sheets at the end of this quickstart. Note that each of these charac-
ters can have any gender you like, and their names and descriptions are just suggestions; feel free
to change them, if you want.
Over time, characters can increase in level, improving their abilities and gaining other benefits.
The pre-generated characters are level 1 characters.
Characters also have talents that give them specific benefits based on natural aptitude or
specialized training. Talents come in three degrees (Novice, Expert, and Master). The pre-gener-
ated characters’ talents are all Novice degree (as they are level 1 characters) and their benefits are
explained on their character sheets.
Quickstart Rules THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
Focus List Because of the tight-knit nature of the crew of sample characters and the limited scope of
this quickstart, all of the characters have a level 1 Relationship with their fellow crewmates,
For your reference, here is the the other player characters. The assumption is they have been together for a while now, and
full list of focuses found in The care about and look after each other, even if they don’t always get along. The players can use
Expanse rulebook. In these quick- this Relationship during the adventure for a bonus stunt point, as detailed under Relationship
start rules, a character never Stunts in the rules.
needs a specific focus to attempt
a test. Tests
Accuracy The Expanse uses three six-sided dice (3d6) for tests of characters’ abilities. Two of the dice
should be differentiated from the third by color, size, or something else. The differentiated third die
Bows, Gunnery, Pistols, is known as the Drama Die. You make tests to find out whether your character succeeds or fails
Rifles, Throwing when a chancy situation comes up in the game.
Communication Simple Tests
Bargaining, Deception, Disguise, To make a simple test, the most common kind, roll 3d6 and add the relevant ability score. If you
Etiquette, Expression, Gambling, have an appropriate focus for that ability, add +2 more. For example, when attempting to dodge
around an obstacle, you roll 3d6, add your Dexterity score, and add +2 if you have the Acro-
Investigation, Leadership, batics focus. A character may only add one ability score and one focus bonus per test. Always
Performing, Persuasion, remember that you don’t need to have a focus to attempt a test. Appropriate focuses for a given
test are listed in parentheses after the ability the test calls for. For example, “an Intelligence
Seduction (Medicine) test.”
Constitution The sum of your die roll, ability, and focus bonus are compared to a target number (TN) that
represents the difficulty of the test. The harder it is to succeed, the higher the TN. If your sum
Running, Stamina, Swimming, equals or exceeds the TN, then you pass the test and succeed!
Tolerance
3D6 + ABILITY SCORE + FOCUS BONUS (+2) VS. TARGET NUMBER
Dexterity
Sometimes the circumstances of a test make it easier or more difficult than normal, giving a
Acrobatics, Crafting, Driving, bonus or penalty to your total. Such bonuses are rarely greater than +3, and penalties rarely worse
Initiative, Piloting, than –3. In some cases, it’s helpful to know not just whether you succeed, but how well you do. The
quality of a success is determined by the unmodified result on the roll’s Drama Die.
Sleight of Hand, Stealth
For example, a character trying to blend in at an elite nightclub on a station has to make a
Fighting Communication (Etiquette) test. Assuming the character succeeds, a Drama Die result of 1 may
mean that the character commits some faux pas and looks like they were let in as a favor to
Brawling, Grappling, someone, while a Drama Die result of 5 or 6 might mean the character conducts themselves well
Heavy Weapons, Light Weapons enough to be admitted to a private table. In most cases, the GM determines the exact results of
the Drama Die by deciding how things turned out, or in certain cases, allowing points from the
Intelligence Drama Die to be spent on stunts (see later in this quickstart for more on stunts).
Art, Business, Cryptography, Opposed Tests
Current Affairs, Demolitions,
Engineering, Evaluation, History, Sometimes you pit your character’s ability against another character’s ability. This is called an
Law, Medicine, Navigation, opposed test. In an opposed test, all parties involve make simple tests simultaneously, but rather
Research, Science, Security, than comparing their results to a target number, the character with the highest total wins. If there’s
a tie, the character with the highest Drama Die number wins. If it’s still a tie, the highest ability score
Tactics, Technology wins. The parties in an opposed test sometimes use different abilities. For example, a character
attempting to sneak past a guard rolls Dexterity (Stealth) against the guard’s Perception (Hearing).
Perception If one character has an advantage over their opponent that’s not already reflected in their ability or
focus, those circumstances may provide a bonus or penalty to the roll. Such modifiers are usually
Empathy, Hearing, Intuition, no worse than –3 or better than +3. So if it’s dark, the sneaking character might get a bonus to slip
Searching, Seeing, Smelling, past the guard unnoticed.
Survival, Tasting, Touching,
Tracking
Strength
Climbing, Intimidation,
Jumping, Might
Willpower
Courage, Faith, Self-Discipline
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THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART Quickstart Rules
Advanced Tests
A test might be so complicated or time-consuming that it is inappropriate to settle it with a single test. Examples include
doing in-depth research, navigating a ship through difficult conditions, or competing with another speaker or performer to
win a crowd’s approval. These situations involve an advanced test. Advanced tests are simple or opposed tests that require
a series of rolls before success can be achieved. Each individual roll is carried out just like a simple or opposed test.
On a sufficient roll—one that meets the TN or exceeds the opponent’s result—the result of your Drama Die is added to
a running total. On an insufficient roll, nothing is added (or your opponent’s running total may increase, for an opposed
advanced test). Success at the advanced test is achieved when the running total meets or exceeds the advanced test’s
success threshold. Each roll takes a certain amount of time—a round, a minute, an hour, or any other increment—
depending on the test, so an advanced test can be used to determine how long a task takes. Each roll might also consume
some amount of resources. So, usually, an advanced test can be failed only if time or resources run out, or if—in an
opposed advanced test—your opponent wins the test first.
Combat Encounters
When things get violent, action in an Expanse game shifts to a combat encounter. An order of initiative is determined once,
at the beginning of the fight, and then all combatants take turns in that order. Each cycle of all characters taking one turn
each is called a round. When each round ends, a new round begins, using the same initiative order.
Initiative
At the beginning of a combat encounter, each combatant makes an opposed test using Dexterity (Initiative). Rather than one
character winning, however, all combatants’ test results are ranked. Combatants then act in that order, with higher results
going before lower results. Ties are broken the same way as other opposed tests. The GM will usually roll separately for
each important NPC, but roll for minor NPCs in groups who all act at the same time, to keep things simple.
Actions
On their turns, characters take actions. There are two types of actions: major and minor. On their turn, a character takes
one major action and one minor action. If the player wishes, however, their character may take two minor actions instead. A
character may also decline either or both actions and do nothing.
The most common major and minor actions are listed here. The GM can adjudicate other actions, using these as a
guide. Actions even less substantial than the minor actions listed here are free actions. Examples might include shouting
something simple or looking around. A character can take as many free actions as they wish as long as the GM agrees
they have time.
Major Actions
MELEE ATTACK: You attack an enemy within 2 meters of you in hand-to-hand combat.
RANGED ATTACK: You attack an enemy by firing or throwing a ranged weapon.
RUN/CHASE: You travel up to double your Speed in meters. You must already be in a standing position to do this. If you
are running after someone who is also using this action, or they are running after you, you have a chase on your hands.
This requires an advanced TN 13 Constitution (Running) test from each participant. Track accumulated points from the
Drama Die for each roll. The character with the highest Speed adds +1 on top of the Drama Die result for each successful
test. The first character to hit 10 accumulated points in an indoor or urban area, or 15 points in an outdoor or suburban
area, may choose to end the chase, either escaping or catching their quarry. If two people in a chase are within 2 points
of each other, they are virtually neck and neck. Vehicles and mounts may also be involved in chases, though they use
their own ability focuses and get bonuses against slower participants.
DEFEND: You gain a +2 bonus to your Defense until the beginning of your next turn.
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Quickstart Rules THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
Minor Actions
AIM: You carefully plan your next strike. If your next action is a melee attack or ranged attack (even on your next turn),
you gain a +1 bonus on that attack roll.
MOVE: You move up to your Speed in meters. If you limit your travel to half your Speed, you can also drop Prone (see
Conditions, following), stand up, or mount or dismount a mount or vehicle as part of your Move.
PREPARE: When you take this action, you postpone your major action. You declare one major action and your choice
to Prepare it. After you do so, the next person in the initiative order acts, and so on, but at any time until the beginning
of your next turn, you can interrupt another character and take your prepared action immediately. If you don’t use the
prepared action by your next turn, you lose it.
READY: You draw a weapon, pull out a tool, or otherwise get ready to use some stowed item on your person. As part of
this action, you can also put away something you already had in hand.
Making Attacks
When attacking an enemy, you make a simple test. The TN is your target’s Defense. On a success, the attacker inflicts
damage. On a failure, the attack does nothing. Each pre-generated character and NPC stat block has a pre-calculated attack
bonus that includes the appropriate ability score, focus bonus, and any other bonuses that always apply. If you need to figure
out other attacks on the fly, use the following rules.
Melee Attack
This is a close-range attack on an adjacent opponent with a weapon such as a fist, knife, or sword. Roll Fighting with a TN
equal to the opponent’s Defense, and add a +2 bonus if the character has a focus that covers the weapon being used. Add
Strength to damage.
Ranged Attack
This is an attack with a firearm or other weapon that’s shot or thrown. Roll Accuracy with a TN equal to the opponent’s
Defense, and add a +2 bonus if the character has a focus that covers the weapon being used. Attacks on enemies farther
away than a weapon’s Range (but no farther than 1.5 Range) suffer a -2 penalty. Add Perception to damage.
Damage
Each pre-generated character and NPC stat block lists the damage each of their weapons inflicts. To inflict damage, make that roll
and determine a total. Once you’ve determined the attack’s damage, figure out what effect it has on the target:
• Subtract the target’s Toughness score—including armor, if any—from the damage.
• If damage remains, spend Fortune to eliminate some or all of it on a 1-to-1 basis: 1 Fortune Point removes 1 point of damage.
• Take an injured or wounded condition to account for remaining damage. Each condition removes 1d6 damage. See
Conditions, following, for details.
• If damage remains, then the target is taken out of the encounter. The attacker may choose to impose any one condition
that is reasonable for the type of attack which takes out the target, usually unconscious or dying.
Battle Maps and Miniatures Conditions
The Expanse RPG defaults to a descriptive style of combat During game play in The Expanse, a number of conditions can affect
where the GM and players keep a mental picture of the adven- characters, representing effects imposed by damage, hazards, and
ture’s evolving battlefield in mind. If you prefer to use a battle so forth. Some conditions are merely bothersome, others far more
map and miniatures, however, the game can accommodate serious, even potentially lethal. The following is a list with descriptions
them easily. Square and hex grids work equally well. The best of some of the important conditions characters may acquire.
scale is one where each square or hex is 2 meters across.
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THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART Quickstart Rules
PRONE: A Prone character is lying on the ground. The character cannot take the Run action, and standing up from
Prone requires a Move action using half the character’s Speed. Melee attack tests against a Prone character gain a
+1 bonus, but ranged attack tests suffer a –1 penalty.
INJURED: An Injured character is hurt. The character has a –1 penalty to all tests and is fatigued, unable to take the Run
action. An Injured character who receives an additional Injured condition becomes Wounded.
WOUNDED: A Wounded character is severely injured. The character has a –2 penalty to all tests and is exhausted, their
Speed halved and unable to take the Run action. A Wounded character who receives an additional Injured or Wounded
condition becomes Dying.
UNCONSCIOUS: An Unconscious character is unaware of their surroundings or the passage of time. The character
falls Prone and is helpless, unable to take any actions.
DYING: A Dying character is in danger of perishing. A Dying character loses 1 point of Constitution score each round on
the start of the character’s turn. When the character’s Constitution score reaches –3, the character dies. Successful first
aid applied to a dying character stabilizes their condition, making them Unconscious, and Wounded instead.
Stunts
Stunts are one of the most exciting aspects of The Expanse RPG. Whenever you make a successful attack and also get
doubles—two or more matching numbers—on the roll, you get Stunt Points (SP) you can use to perform stunts. The
number of stunt points you get is equal to the number showing on the Drama Die. You must use your SP right away, or
they’re wasted. You spend SP on the Combat Stunt Table. You can choose any combination of stunts as long as you don’t
spend more SP than you have. (You can spend fewer, but any leftover SP vanish after you do.) You can choose each stunt
only once per attack, except for the Skirmish stunt, which can be chosen as many times as you wish. NPCs can perform
stunts just like PCs can.
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Quickstart Rules THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
SP COST General Combat Stunts
1-3 STUNT
1+
2 Duck and Weave: Gain +1 to Defense per SP spent until the beginning of your next turn.
2
2 Skirmish: Move yourself or your attack’s target 2 meters in any direction for each 1 SP you spend; you can choose Skirmish
2 more than once per turn.
3
Double-Team: Choose one ally to make an immediate attack on your target, who must be within range and sight of the ally.
3 Your ally must have a ranged weapon to attack at range.
3 Knock Prone: Knock your enemy Prone. Melee attacks against a Prone foe gain a +1, but ranged attacks against a Prone
foe suffer a -1.
4
Taunt: Roll Communication (Deception) vs. Willpower (Self-Discipline) against any target within 10 meters of you; if you win,
they must attack or oppose you in some way on their next turn.
Vicious Blow: Inflict an extra 1d6 damage on this attack.
Blockade: Move up to 3 meters to position yourself between a foe and something or someone else. Until the beginning
of your next turn, that foe must succeed at a minor action Dexterity (Acrobatics) or Strength (Might) test vs. your Defense to
reach whatever or whoever you’re protecting.
Lightning Attack: Make a second attack against the same target or a different one within range and sight; you must have
a ranged weapon to attack at range.
Shock and Awe: When you succeed at a non-attack physical feat or take an opponent out, anyone who witnesses it rolls
Willpower (Courage) or (Morale) vs. your Strength (Intimidation). If you win, they suffer a -1 to the next opposed roll they
make against you, or a -1 to their Defense vs. your next attack against them, whichever comes first.
Seize the Initiative: Move to the top of the initiative order until someone else seizes the initiative. You may get to take
another turn before some others act again.
Relationship Stunts
In addition to getting SP by rolling doubles, once per game session you can get as many SP as your Relationship rating
to perform any stunt that would be in-character when it comes to that Relationship. You choose this after you see if you
succeed on a test. You might use these points to help a friend or lover that the Relationship lists, or battle an enemy noted
in the Relationship. If you also roll doubles, you can combine Relationship stunt points with the stunt points you earned on
the Drama Die.
Exploration & Social Encounters
Of course, lots more happens in Expanse stories beyond just fighting. The Expanse RPG calls these exploration encounters
if they concentrate on finding information, dealing with the environment, and general problem-solving. If a scene is mainly
about speaking to and otherwise interacting with people, be it to find things out or get favors, the game calls it a social
encounter. Mixed exploration and social encounters are possible as well.
In most cases, using the basic rules and rolling ability tests against target numbers will get you through these encounters.
It is possible to use stunts during these types of encounters by rolling doubles or using a Relationship. The tables in this
section list a small number of the Exploration and Social stunts available in The Expanse RPG.
Exploration Encounters
Exploration encounters can feature a variety of events and challenges. These usually don’t happen round by round, but over
periods of time determined by the GM. The most common events include the following.
Hazards
Exploration encounters may involve encountering some hazards, potential risks from the environment. Characters might
contend with fire, vacuum, sudden falls and impacts, mechanical failures, and other perils. Hazards in the game are defined
by whether or not they’re avoidable, their effects, and how long they last. An avoidable hazard might have a test to avoid
8
THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART Quickstart Rules
SP COST Exploration Stunts
STUNT
1-3
When a Plan Comes Together: You reveal that this test was part of your plan all along, granting a bonus equal to
2 SP spent on one ally’s next test during the same encounter to accomplish the same goal. You must make this decision
3 before the ally rolls.
4
Speed Demon: You complete your test in half the time it would otherwise take.
The Upper Hand: If your success leads to combat within a moment or two, you receive a +3 on your initiative roll.
With a Flourish: You impress everyone who watches you with your showmanship. Gain a +1 to opposed tests against
them for the rest of the encounter.
SP COST Social Stunts
1-3 STUNT
2
Impress: Gain a +1 per SP spent to your next social test against the same target as this test during this encounter.
2
And Another Thing: Make a second, related test as part of your action, before anyone else has a chance to respond or
3 make any tests of their own.
4 Hidden Message: Your words convey a different message to one person than to everyone else who hears them; the
character you choose is the only one who can decipher your true meaning.
Objection!: You step in on someone else’s behalf. Another character in the scene may use your ability + focus instead
of their own next time they oppose a test during this encounter.
Class Clown: Your words lighten the mood, imposing a –2 penalty to all enemies’ initiative rolls if a fight breaks out
during this encounter.
harm, such as a Dexterity (Acrobatics) test to avoid a fall, or an Intelligence (Engineering) test to fix a mechanical problem.
The hazard’s effect may be a certain amount of damage—ranging from 1d6 for a minor hazard to 6d6 for a truly deadly
one—or imposing certain conditions as detailed under the Damage and Conditions sections. A hazard can be momentary—a
sudden fall or an explosion—or can last, such as the dangers of suffocation or a raging storm.
Interacting with the Environment
You may be called upon to sneak past guards, walk across a narrow ledge, or pick a lock. If the challenge is another person,
an opposed test is called for. Otherwise, a basic test against a TN representing the difficulty of the action is what you’ll use to
see if you succeed or fail. Use abilities and focuses that fit the task—Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) to pick a pocket, for example.
The GM has the final word on which tests, abilities, and focuses to use. The higher the number on the Drama Die, the better
you did, whether you rolled doubles or not.
Investigations
An investigation is a catch-all term for any action where you’re trying to get information. Generally, if you need to find a lead
to go forward in the adventure, like a matchbook for the club you need to find or footprints leading in the right direction, the
GM should automatically provide it. You’ll usually use Perception and Intelligence tests, and focuses related to the lead (such
as Technology to find information stored on a computer), to get more information out of them—but you can always just try
to guess. When you succeed, the GM gives you a clue: a fact about what’s going on. You can also use investigation tests to
find out information that isn’t directly related to the adventure, but may help you in other ways. In those situations, you don’t
automatically find the lead. You must make a test to discover it in the first place.
Social Encounters
Social encounters work much like exploration encounters, except the focus is on interacting with other people. Social encoun-
ters normally use basic tests when you want to make a general impression on a group, or opposed tests when you’re trying
to influence someone to do or say something that would inconvenience or embarrass them, or seems somehow counter to
their interests. Social actions usually use the Communication ability and its focuses, and in opposed tests, are often resisted
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Quickstart Rules THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
3D6 ROLL Attitudes INTERACTION
MODIFIER
3 or less ATTITUDE -3
4-5 -2
6-8 Very Hostile -1
9-11 Hostile +0
12-14 +1
15-17 Standoffish +2
18+ Neutral +3
Open
Friendly
Very Friendly
by Willpower and its focuses. In situations where you’re trying
to get results through threats, you may use Strength (Intimida-
tion) to sway an NPC. Social actions intended to find things out
can use the same lead and clue format as investigations, at the
GM’s discretion.
In situations where the NPC’s attitude toward the character
matters, the GM decides what it is (or rolls on the Attitudes
table if they don’t feel like picking) and applies the listed modi-
fiers to your Communication tests to get them to aid or usefully
interact with you.
If an opposed test is necessary, the NPC rolls Willpower,
with the focus depending on the situation. Willpower (Faith)
would be used in situations where the NPC is being asked to
set aside their beliefs, for example, while Willpower (Courage)
could resist attempts to frighten the NPC. However, if the NPC
would be forced to do something self-harming or something
they find immoral or disgusting, they automatically win an
opposed test to resist the suggestion.
PCs cannot be swayed by social actions, but you can always
make tests and use the results as advice to help you decide
how your character would act.
Non-Player Characters
Non-player characters (NPCs) use all the same rules that apply to player character heroes, unless otherwise noted. In
Expanse adventures, NPCs are described with stat blocks. Combatants have longer stat blocks than characters who aren’t
likely to be involved in fights (non-combatants). Both types have their abilities and focuses listed. Combatants have Speed,
Defense, Toughness, Fortune (if any), and attack statistics. NPCs also have a Favored Stunts entry, and some have special
stunts only they can use. These are suggestions to help the GM keep things moving along briskly, but the GM is free to
choose other stunts for them.
Further Adventures Await!
Hopefully this quickstart whets your appetite for more adventures in The Expanse. If you have questions, or want more,
The Expanse Roleplaying Game is your next stop. It contains everything you need to run adventures for characters of
levels 1–20, including an introductory adventure designed to suit many different campaigns. You’ll also want to check
out the Expanse Game Master’s Kit, which comes with a reference screen for game-play, stunt reference cards, and an
additional adventure.
10
Quick Reference Sheet: COMBAT Actions & Stunts
Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use. BASIC TEST FORMULA: 3D6 + ABILITY SCORE + FOCUS BONUS (+2) VS. TARGET NUMBER
You can take a major action and a minor action, or two minor actions on your turn.
MAJOR ACTIONS
MELEE ATTACK: You attack an enemy within 2 meters of you in hand-to-hand combat.
RANGED ATTACK: You attack an enemy by firing or throwing a ranged weapon.
RUN/CHASE: You travel up to double your Speed in meters. You must already be in a standing position to do this. If you are
running after someone who is also using this action, or they are running after you, you have a chase on your hands. This requires
an advanced TN 13 Constitution (Running) test from each participant. Track accumulated points from the Drama Die for each roll.
The character with the highest Speed adds +1 on top of the Drama Die result for each successful test. The first character to hit 10
accumulated points in an indoor or urban area, or 15 points in an outdoor or suburban area, may choose to end the chase, either
escaping or catching their quarry. If two people in a chase are within 2 points of each other, they are virtually neck and neck.
Vehicles and mounts may also be involved in chases, though they use their own ability focuses and get bonuses against slower
participants.
DEFEND: You gain a +2 bonus to your Defense until the beginning of your next turn.
MINOR ACTIONS
AIM: You carefully plan your next strike. If your next action is a melee attack or ranged attack (even on your next turn), you gain a +1
bonus on that attack roll.
MOVE: You move up to your Speed in meters. If you limit your travel to half your Speed, you can also drop Prone, stand up, or mount
or dismount a mount or vehicle as part of your Move.
PREPARE: When you take this action, you postpone your major action. You declare one major action and your choice to Prepare it. After
you do so, the next person in the initiative order acts, and so on, but at any time until the beginning of your next turn, you can interrupt
another character and take your prepared action immediately. If you don’t use the prepared action by your next turn, you lose it.
READY: You draw a weapon, pull out a tool, or otherwise get ready to use some stowed item on your person. As part of this action,
you can also put away something you already had in hand.
SP COST General Combat Stunts
STUNT
1-3 Duck and Weave: Gain +1 to Defense per SP spent until the beginning of your next turn.
1+ Skirmish: Move yourself or your attack’s target 2 meters in any direction for each 1 SP you spend; you can choose Skirmish
more than once per turn.
2 Double-Team: Choose one ally to make an immediate attack on your target, who must be within range and sight of the
ally. Your ally must have a ranged weapon to attack at range.
2 Knock Prone: Knock your enemy Prone. Melee attacks against a Prone foe gain a +1, but ranged attacks against a Prone
foe suffer a -1.
2 Taunt: Roll Communication (Deception) vs. Willpower (Self-Discipline) against any target within 10 meters of you; if you win,
they must attack or oppose you in some way on their next turn.
2 Vicious Blow: Inflict an extra 1d6 damage on this attack.
Blockade: Move up to 3 meters to position yourself between a foe and something or someone else. Until the beginning
3 of your next turn, that foe must succeed at a minor action Dexterity (Acrobatics) or Strength (Might) test vs. your Defense to
reach whatever or whoever you’re protecting.
3 Lightning Attack: Make a second attack against the same target or a different one within range and sight; you must have
a ranged weapon to attack at range.
Shock and Awe: When you succeed at a non-attack physical feat or take an opponent out, anyone who witnesses it rolls
3 Willpower (Courage) or (Morale) vs. your Strength (Intimidation). If you win, they suffer a -1 to the next opposed roll they
make against you, or a -1 to their Defense vs. your next attack against them, whichever comes first.
4 Seize the Initiative: Move to the top of the initiative order until someone else seizes the initiative. You may get to take
another turn before some others act again.
Cupbearer THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
CUPBEARER
C upbearer is an Expanse Roleplaying Game adventure suitable for a crew of three to six characters, levels 1 to 3. What
starts out as a fairly simple job to find and recover the wayward son of a wealthy corporate family gets complicated
when the crew’s target is involved with a powerful crime-lord, and looking for his own way out of an unpleasant situa-
tion...one that doesn’t involve returning to his family.
Introduction
Kai Dardanus’ family owns controlling interest in Amalthea Ambrosals, Inc., a company specializing in supplying fine food
and drink to a fairly exclusive clientele in the Belt and Outer Planets. They primarily import luxury items from Earth and
Mars, as well as producing and distributing high-end goods outside of the Inner Planets. Entirely uninterested in the family
business—or his abusive family, for that matter—Kai left their home on Titan and eventually found his way to Ganymede.
Running out of credit and fond of the party lifestyle, the attractive young man took to sex work, finding employment at one
of Ganymede’s brothels. It was there that he drew the eye of Orn Aquilo, an older man who checked every box of Kai’s daddy
issues, just as Kai quickly became Aquilo’s new favorite. Their mutual attraction led to a passionate affair and Kai moving in with
his new lover. He was aware Aquilo was an “influential businessman” on Ganymede, but quickly learned his business included
smuggling, theft, extortion, and protection—Orn Aquilo is a powerful figure in the station’s underworld. Kai also learned of Aquilo’s
temper and possessive nature; it quickly became clear he was a virtual prisoner, even more so than in the home he’d left behind.
After Eros and the riots on Ganymede, Kai finally decided he needed to get away from Aquilo, and risked using his knowl-
edge of his family’s business to do it. He illegally accessed Amalthea Ambrosals’ records and arranged for a shipment of luxury
food and liquor to be “lost” in Ganymede’s warehouses. He then planned to sell the shipment to one of Aquilo’s underworld
rivals for the credits he needed to leave and book passage somewhere, anywhere, else. Unfortunately, Kai has failed to reckon
with the treachery or ambition of Aquilo’s rivals, or with the security of his family’s company, which is where the PCs come in.
Theme
Cupbearer is about relationships and the things people do to find them, sustain them, and end them, and the way they
drive others to take action. The adventure offers a lot of opportunities for roleplaying and for the crew to take the initiative
in choosing their own course of action and how they handle the things they discover over the course of the story. It’s also
12
THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART Cupbearer
about making the best of a bad situation (a common element of The Expanse) and finding a way to A Cast of Thousands
do the right thing in the midst of a lot of people making bad choices.
Cupbearer is set on Ganymede
Incorporating Cupbearer Into a Series Station, home to millions of
people; a virtual city-state in space.
If you are running Cupbearer as an introduction to an ongoing Expanse series, then the adventure Chances are, the crew isn’t going
does offer some opportunities. The crew starts with access to a ship and might even gain clear title to interact with more than a handful
and ownership of it, if they play their cards right, making them free agents. They could also acquire of the people on the station, and
potentially valuable contacts on Ganymede, including within Pinkwater Security. Of course, they might most of those characters will not
end up with more than a few enemies on Ganymede as well. The events of Cupbearer can be a lead-in be anything more than back-
to the Expanse adventure The Ganymede Insurance Job, if you are looking for a follow-up, and can ground elements. For occasions
also lead to involving the crew in the adventure To Sleep, Perchance to Dream, (although these where they are not and the adven-
adventures may require getting the crew further into the Outer Planets, including to Tycho Station). ture does not specify, you can use
the following quick tools to define
Starting the crew off with connections on Ganymede can also become an adventure hook when some key things about random
you decide to kick off the incident that triggers a shooting war between Earth and Mars (detailed in characters the crew meets.
The Expanse novel Caliban’s War). The destruction of the orbital mirrors and damage to the colony
might lead the crew to come back to pay back favors, help out friends, and settle old scores, as Gender
opportunities allow.
1D6 RESULT
Sequence of Events
1–2 male
The plot of Cupbearer is somewhat free-form, dictated strongly by what the crew decides to do at
any given time. This section outlines the general sequence of events occurring in the adventure 3–5 female
with the assumption that the crew does not interfere with them in any way. If (and when) they do,
things will likely diverge from this sequence. Expanse GMs can use this section, and the details in 6 gender-fluid or agender
the following scenes, to determine what happens as a result of the crew’s intervention and actions.
Age
Kai Dardanus has arranged for a shipment of luxury food and drink to be “lost” in the ware-
houses on Ganymede’s docks, giving himself the location and new access codes. He arranged 1D6 RESULT
a meeting with Parvati Moneta, a rival of Orn Aquilo, to sell the goods for enough credit to
leave Ganymede. Parvati and her crew take Kai prisoner at their meeting, intending to hold 1 a child
him hostage for Aquilo’s cooperation (or potentially to ransom him back to his family, or both).
2 a teenager
As the crew lands and begins to investigate, Pinkwater Security becomes aware of unusual
activity on the docks and the potential for conflict in the station’s underworld. Aquilo, Moneta, 3–5 an adult (older
or both may become aware of the crew looking into Dardanus’s activities and whereabouts. for higher numbers)
A furious Aquilo arms for war against Moneta’s gang, more concerned about his reputation 6 elderly
and appearing weak in front of his own crew than about Kai’s life. Pinkwater begins looking
into the matter, but their investigation proceeds too slowly and they don’t learn the particulars Origin
until it is too late. Aquilo issues an ultimatum demanding Moneta return Kai or else face the
consequences. The kidnapping scheme having backfired, Moneta pretends to agree and sets 1D6 RESULT
up an ambush for Aquilo. 1 Earther
The Aquilo and Moneta gangs have a shoot-out in an abandoned section of tunnels in the 2–3 Martian
station that leaves many on both sides dead, including both Orn Aquilo and Kai Dardanus. 4–6 Belter
Moneta seizes control of what remains of both gangs and begins consolidating, hunting down
and eliminating any dissenters while avoiding Pinkwater Security investigators. Ethnic Features
As with this outline, the scenes given in the rest of the adventure are not necessarily sequen- 1D6 RESULT
tial; the crew might skip over some scenes, or approach higher-numbered scenes earlier than 1 African
lower-numbered scenes, rather than taking them in order. This all depends on what they do in
following their investigation and their course of action based on what they discover. Be flexible 2 Asian/South Asian
and keep in mind the goals and activities of the four major factions at work in this story: Kai
Dardanus, Orn Aquilo, Parvati Moneta (and their respective gangs), and Pinkwater Security. 3 Caucasian
4 Latin/Indigenous
American
5 Mediterranean /
Middle Eastern
6 Polynesian/
Indigenous Australian
...keeping in mind that many Belters
have mixed ethnic heritages.
If you wish, you can also roll the
character’s attitude randomly on
the Attitudes table under Social
Encounters, or choose some-
thing suitable based on the situ-
ation. Assume these background
characters have abilities of 0, 2–3
appropriate ability focuses, and no
Fortune score.
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Cupbearer THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
Players’ Introduction
Have the players look over the pre-generated crew of characters provided at the end of this book and choose which charac-
ters they’d like to play. Allow players to make small modifications to their characters, if desired, particularly changing details
like their name, sex, appearance, or bits of their background, so long as they fit the established character traits. You can
even—within reason—let players swap around some of the characters’ ability focuses, but ideally, the point is to get them set
up with characters and playing as soon as possible. You might want to go over the essentials of how tests and other basic
elements of game-play work, or allow the players to read through the rules section of this book, if there’s time.
Once everyone is ready to play, read the following introduction aloud to the players. Feel free to paraphrase and put it in
your own words, so long as they get the essential information.
Ganymede Station. They call it the “breadbasket of the Belt,” because Ganymede is that rare body in the solar
system with its own natural magnetosphere, protective shielding against radiation. It is what has made the moon’s
argi-domes—fed sunlight from giant, orbiting mirrors—bountiful enough to supply food to the rest of the Belt and Outer
Planets. It is also what makes Ganymede a favored place for Belters to give birth to children, minimizing the potential
for birth defects. For generations, Ganymede has grown from one of the first colonies in the Outer Planets to a thriving
hub of millions of people, and you are thinking of the challenges of finding just one person in that multitude—like a
single, tumbling rock in the vastness of the Belt.
You and your crew run the Sommelier, a small cargo ship that makes runs throughout the Belt and Outer Planets,
so you’re often bringing or taking shipments from Ganymede. One of your regular clients is Amalthea Ambrosals, a
corporation based on Titan that supplies luxury items: wine, cheese, chocolate, and other delicacies from Earth and
Mars. They sell mainly to the high-class spas on Titan and to anyone else able to pay what is a month’s wages or
more for most Belters for what amounts to an expensive snack. Amalthea is run by the Dardanus family, and it seems
they’ve misplaced their heir-apparent.
Kai Dardanus took off from Titan not long after his eighteenth birthday and disappeared. His family has been
searching for him for a year now, without any leads or much hope of finding him, until Kai’s access codes were used
to log into a company system. The login was brief, but traced to Ganymede. With your ship already en route for a
delivery, you received an unusual tight-beam transmission, a message from Theo Dardanus telling you that if you
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THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART Cupbearer
recover his son and return him to Titan, you will be compensated with enough money to pay off the mortgage on
the Sommelier.
Of course, Daddy Dardanus also made it pretty clear that, if you refused, you might find cargo contracts drying up
awfully fast, and have trouble paying your docking fees, much less keeping your ship from being repossessed. Although
the elder Dardanus didn’t say so, one other thing was also clear: Kai is a legal adult, and his family has no right to force
him to do anything, but they want him back on Titan no matter what. This is less of a “missing persons” investigation and
more of an authorized kidnapping, not that the distinction will matter much to Pinkwater, the corporation that handles
security on Ganymede. So it’s best to watch your step and be discrete, sa-sa?
SCENE 1 Exploration Encounter
Lost Boy
In the initial scene of Cupbearer, the crew of the Sommelier arrives on Ganymede Station and begins looking for Kai
Dardanus. This is an opportunity to introduce the players to the investigation system in The Expanse, as follows:
Following the Trail
An investigation follows a trail. Each step on the trail is a lead, and discovering the significance of a lead unearths a clue
and a new lead. Investigators can unearth clues automatically (by following up the lead), by having a suitable ability focus
(which lets them automatically unearth the clue), or by making a successful ability test. Following the trail to discover all
of the clues produces a reveal, the ultimate truth the clues uncover. The investigative trail leading to Kai Dardanus looks
like this:
LEAD #1: Dardanus’ Amalthea access code was traced back to a bordello on the station called La Cage.
CLUE: A successful TN 11 Communication test unearths that Kai Dardanus worked at La Cage up until a few months
ago. Characters can apply any suitable Communication focus, based on how they approach things. If they learn Kai
worked at the bordello, they can also learn the circumstances of his leaving, which is Lead #3 (see Scene 2: La Cage).
LEAD #2: Amalthea Ambrosials regularly ships through Ganymede, and the crew knows this from their own experience.
They might want to look into discrepancies in local shipping.
CLUE: A successful TN 12 Communication (Investigation) or Intelligence (Business or Technology) test reveals that a
recent shipment of luxury goods was received on the station, but there’s no record of it shipping out (see Scene 3: The
Docks for follow-up).
LEAD #3: Kai left La Cage because he was involved with Orn Aquilo, a local crime boss.
CLUE: A successful TN 10 Communication (Investigation or Persuasion) test reveals Aquilo was infatuated and quite
possessive about his new “acquisition,” but such inquiries may also tip off Aquilo about someone asking questions (see
Scene 4: Turning Over Rocks). This clue also reveals Lead #4.
LEAD #4: Aquilo has rivals within the Ganymede underworld. One of those rivals is Parvati Moneta, an OPA member
whose criminal activities serve to fund and support her political agenda (see Scene 5: Testing the Waters).
CLUE: A successful TN 11 Communication (Investigation or Persuasion) test reveals that members of Moneta’s gang
have been unusually quiet of late, suggesting they’re preparing for something.
LEAD #5: The Moneta gang has gone to ground somewhere and they likely either have Kai Dardanus or know where he is.
CLUE: A successful TN 12 Communication (Investigation or Persuasion), Intelligence (Security or Technology), or Percep-
tion (Searching) test reveals that the gang is operating out of an abandoned section of tunnels and leads to the reveal.
REVEAL: Kai Dardanus is being held prisoner by Parvati Moneta and her gang in an area of abandoned tunnels on
Ganymede.
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Cupbearer THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
Note that the trail might branch and not all leads directly follow one another. This might take the crew through some of
the following scenes out of sequence from how they’re described here, and that’s fine. Likewise, they might skip over some
scenes as they connect the clues and figure out who has Kai Dardanus and why. Once the reveal happens, go to Scene 6:
The Purloined Treasure for where the story might go from there and what the crew’s options look like.
SCENE 2 Social Encounter
La Cage
La Cage is one of a number of licensed brothels on Ganymede. The crew finds it a number of levels down from the docks
in a commercial area well away from the residential parts of the station. It is amidst bars, restaurants, and other businesses
catering to both visitors and station residents looking for entertainment or a night out. The establishment has a small recep-
tion area where visitors pay a nominal cover fee to enter. Beyond the reception area is a main social lounge with a bar and
a number of comfortable and intimate seating areas. The rest of the establishment consists of small, private rooms used by
the sex workers and rented out to patrons along with their services (which requires a TN 11 Income test).
While some of the crew may want to enjoy the pleasures La Cage has to offer, their primary purpose in visiting the brothel
is to obtain information about Kai Dardanus. This is a social encounter and an opportunity to introduce the players to that
system.
Romancing the Leads
In a social encounter, the goal is to modify the attitude of a character or group of characters, in this case the staff of La Cage.
Attitudes are measured on a seven-step scale: Very Hostile, Hostile, Standoffish, Neutral, Open, Friendly, and Very Friendly.
Given the risks of talking openly about Orn Aquilo’s business and violating the confidentiality their profession requires, the
crew needs to move the staff’s attitude toward them from Neutral to Very Friendly, or three steps.
The characters can make these shifts in a series of social maneuvers, tests reflecting actions they take to improve the
overall impression the staff at La Cage has of them, making them sympathetic, or at least willing to cooperate and provide
useful information. Each one is a TN 12 test of a particular ability. Examples of social maneuvers the character can try
include:
• Conversation and social interaction using Communication, particularly focuses like Persuasion and Seduction, but
Bargaining, Deception, Etiquette, Expression, and even Gambling may be useful, depending on the approach.
• Showing off in various ways to win approval and attention. This could be almost any sort of impressive test, ranging
from Accuracy (Throwing) to Communication (Performing) or Dexterity (Acrobatics). Because the effort has to be
impressive, the TN is increased by +2 to TN 14.
• A display of knowledge of an interesting topic using Intelligence with a focus related to the topic, like Art, Business, or
Current Affairs, for example.
• A sympathetic ear and a welcoming manner can do a lot as well. This is a test of Perception (Intuition or Empathy).
These are by no means the only options. Let the crew come up with their own approaches and ideas and suggest abili-
ties that would suit them. If they make a good case for an approach, let them try it. There are also two other, less social
approaches the crew can take toward getting information: bribery and threats.
Bribery
Money talks, and the crew can substitute an Income test for any of the social maneuvers in this encounter, but again their
difficulty is increased to TN 14.
Threats
Characters can also substitute a Strength (Intimidation) or Communication test focused on threatening the La Cage staff
and making it clear they should reveal what they know...or else. This can substitute for a regular social maneuver, but once
the crew resorts to threats, they ensure the staff’s attitude never becomes truly friendly. If the crew gets three steps of
change, they get the information they want, but the staff becomes Hostile to them in the future (unless further efforts are
made to improve their attitude) and hastens the arrival of Scene 4, as someone rats the crew out to Aquilo.
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THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART Cupbearer
Success
If the crew is successful in improving the attitude at La Cage to Very Friendly, then Elyse, one of the staff there, arranges to
speak with them privately. She tells them Kai is a friend of hers and that he worked at La Cage for a time after he arrived on
Ganymede; Kai’s young and pretty and, well, he was popular. So popular, in fact, that he caught the eye of Orn Aquilo, who
practically became Kai’s sole customer, and eventually made Kai his live-in boyfriend. Elyse didn’t hear from him much for a
while, but then Kai got back in touch, saying he needed a place to stay briefly. He didn’t give Elyse details, but it was clear to
her that he was scared, nervous, and didn’t want anyone to know where he was. She put him up briefly at her place but he
also made it clear he had a plan to fix things and move on. She doesn’t know what it was, only that she hasn’t seen Kai for
more than a day. She heard him mention “57-D” on a comm call, but doesn’t know what that means.
Overstaying Their Welcome
If the crew accumulates six failed tests before sufficiently improving the staff’s attitude, everyone at La Cage remains
professionally welcoming to them, but also makes it clear they’re not going to give the characters any useful information.
If the crew becomes particularly belligerent or at all violent, then three La Cage security personnel look to forcibly remove
them from the establishment, subduing them first, if necessary. Use the Tough stats later in this adventure for the security
personnel. If things should escalate beyond that, station security gets called in, and the characters get their interview with
Pinkwater sooner than they might otherwise. See Scene 5 for some idea of how this might go.
If the crew leaves La Cage without success, they get another opportunity if they wait around or the next time they’re in the
area. Elyse gets hassled outside of the club by two of Aquilo’s people (see the Tough stats from Allies & Adversaries) who
think she knows something about Kai’s disappearance. When she tells them where they can go, they get rough and start
to slap her around. If the crew intervenes, they immediately get a friendly reaction from Elyse, and—once the unwelcome
guests are dealt with—she gives the characters the information found under Success, previously.
SCENE 3
The Docks Exploration Encounter
The crew tracks a mysterious Amalthea Ambrosials shipment to the Ganymede docks, coinciding with an area where Kai
Dardanus was seen—or showed on computer records. Unfortunately, Moneta’s gang has already nabbed Dardanus from
their covert meeting at the docks, and has laid a trap to tie up any loose ends that might result. The following leads can bring
the crew here:
• If any of them think to research Elyse’s “57-D” reference, a TN 9 Intelligence (Technology) or Perception (Searching)
test turns out the number in association with a storage area on the Ganymede docks.
• If they befriended staff from La Cage in Scene 2, the crew may be able to access the records of the brothel’s partition. A
TN 13 Intelligence (Technology) test turns up a seemingly legit shipping order filed with Amalthea from that computer
system, redirecting a shipment to Storage Area 57-D.
• If they looked for discrepancies in local shipping, particularly from Amalthea, as outlined in Scene 1, the clues there lead
them to Storage Area 57-D.
Other investigations, including simply asking around on the docks for anyone who might have seen Kai, make it clear he
was there late the previous night (or longer ago, depending on how long the crew’s investigation takes). At that point, any
character who knows the “57-D” reference notices it matches the nearby sequence of storage areas with a TN 7 Perception
(Intuition or Seeing) test.
The storage areas are essentially a long series of sealed rooms with sliding doors and electronic access panels. 57-D is locked,
so the crew can only access it by bribing someone in the dockyard shipping office—a TN 11 Communication (Bargaining) test,
followed by a TN 10 Income test—or trying to override the lock, a TN 12 Intelligence (Security or Technology) test.
Inside the storage area are several shipping containers marked with the Amalthea Ambrosials logo and labels like “perish-
able” and “vacuum sealed for freshness.” The crates contain luxury items like wine, cheeses, dried fruits, and more, all told
worth more than enough to buy someone passage off Ganymede to wherever they’d like to go. While characters could take
items out of an open container, moving any of the boxes would require a mech or forklift. Besides, shortly after they enter
the storage area, they have other concerns.
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Cupbearer THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
18 Vacuum Sealed for Freshness
A member of Moneta’s OPA cell left a program in the dock-
yard computer linked to 57-D’s access pad. A minute after
anyone enters, the door closes and locks, scrambling the
access code, and the station’s environmental system begins
to depressurize the room! This is an opportunity to show off
how The Expanse handles hazards in the game, as well as an
advanced test to overcome it.
The Trap
The hazard is the rapidly evacuating air and subsequent
suffocation. Once the trap activates, the storage area’s air
pumps begin extracting the air, which will take 5 minutes.
The crew gets a TN 9 Perception (Hearing) test to notice the
change in the sound of the air pumps immediately and every
30 seconds thereafter until they succeed. After a minute, the
air begins to get noticeably thinner, and it becomes clear to
everyone what is happening.
Once all of the air is evacuated, characters can hold their
breath for a number of rounds equal to twice their Consti-
tution score. After that, they must make a TN 9 Constitu-
tion (Stamina) test each round, with the TN increasing by
+1 per round, to continue holding their breath. Failing the
test means the character is unconscious. On the following
round, the character’s condition becomes dying and the
character cannot stabilize until they are able to breathe
again. A character stabilized from dying due to suffocation
is exhausted. See the Conditions section of the rules for
details.
The Escape
The crew’s escape depends on disabling the trap and
opening the door, which will also stop the evacuation of the
room. This is an advanced test (as detailed in the Advanced
Tests portion of the rules), a TN 12 Intelligence (Engineering
or Technology) test, with each success adding the result
of the Drama Die to reach a success threshold of 10. Each
test takes a minute’s time, so the crew has time for five tests
before the air completely evacuates from the room, assuming
they notice the danger immediately. The test represents jury-
rigging access to the environmental systems and the door,
and hacking the control panel.
Other means of escape are limited. The door and walls of
the room are too heavily reinforced for the crew to break
through or seriously damage them. If you want—and partic-
ularly if the players ask—they might find other supplies or
materials in storage sufficient to make a crude explosive to
blow open the door. This is a similar advanced test using
Intelligence (Engineering, Science, or Technology) but with
the same result.
THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART Cupbearer
Today’s Catch
If the crew completely fails to escape from the trap and they are all doomed, you have the option of being merciful by
having members of Moneta’s OPA cell close at hand. Once the characters are all unconscious, they return the air to the
room and open up the door in order to take them prisoner. The crew wakes up in Parvati Moneta’s custody and has a
very different meeting with her based on the material in the One Warning section of Scene 4. Alternately, you can have
Pinkwater pull the crew out in the nick of time and move on to Scene 5 and a talk with security about what they were
doing there.
Similarly, if you feel the escape scene is too easy, you can always move right along to Scene 4 and have some of Moneta’s
people waiting for the crew outside the storage area or nearby, ready to jump them when they emerge.
SCENE 4 Action/Social Encounter
Turning Over Rocks
Sooner or later, the crew’s investigation into Kai Dardanus’s whereabouts may draw some unwanted attention from either
Orn Aquilo, Parvati Moneta, or both (for the crew’s possible brush with Ganymede station security, see Scene 5). Both Aquilo
and Moneta want to establish what the newcomers to the station know, and what their involvement in all of this is, before
they take action. If either of them thinks the crew is getting too close to their business, they’ll have some of their gang warn
them off with a beat-down, or simply kill them. Of course, such warnings tend to have the opposite of their intended effect
on player characters.
The elements of this scene should be distributed between the prior scenes as best suits the flow of the story and the
crew’s own actions. If they loudly announce their intentions and make it clear to everyone on Ganymede they’re looking for
Kai Dardanus, then the factions are tipped off early and might come looking for the characters. If they’re subtle and circum-
spect, then it might be the crew coming and looking for Aquilo, or even Moneta, to ask questions. Use the material here and
adapt it according to the circumstances.
Trouble in the Tunnels
At any time when the crew’s investigation strays too close to either Aquilo’s or Moneta’s interests, they may send a group
of toughs (see the stats in the Allies & Adversaries section) to either warn the characters off or simply kill them, depending
on what they think they can get away with and the urgency of the situation. If Aquilo or Moneta think the crew knows some-
thing of value to them, then their toughs might try to take them prisoner instead, escorting them to a meeting with their boss
(covered in the following sections).
At least initially, there will be a group of toughs equal in number to the player characters. They’ll use bluster and threats,
making it clear the crew is to abandon their search and stay out of any business concerning Dardanus. They don’t specify
who they’re working for beyond “an interested party,” although a TN 9 Communication test can trick the toughs into naming
their employer. Let players specify a suitable ability focus, with Deception being the most common option.
If there is a fight between the toughs and the crew, you can have Pinkwater Security show up. The toughs scatter and run
at the first sign of security personnel, who order everyone to stay where they are. This is an opportunity for Pinkwater to take
the crew in for the meeting in Scene 5. If they run from—or, worse yet, attack—the Pinkwater agents, then the characters
find themselves tagged for arrest and prosecution on Ganymede, unless they manage to call in a serious favor or negotiate
something with the security agency itself, as in Scene 5.
The Eagle’s Nest
Orn Aquilo maintains an “office” on the level of the station not far from La Cage. Characters can find out about it with an
appropriate TN 9 test like Communication (Investigation), Intelligence (Research), or Perception (Searching). The office is
in the back of a hole between the commercial and residential areas, and at least two members of Aquilo’s gang are on-hand
as bodyguards at all times.
Whether the crew comes as petitioners looking to talk with Aquilo or are brought here as prisoners, the guards disarm
them before they’re permitted into the boss’s presence. Visitors have their weapons returned to them, provided things go
well. Efforts to force their way past the guards result in them attacking the crew, and calling in a half-dozen reinforcements
who arrive 1d6 rounds later.
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Cupbearer THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
Negotiating with Aquilo
Orn Aquilo is a proud man in a difficult situation. He cares deeply for Kai, and the possibility that his lover has betrayed him
stings deeply. Aquilo would prefer to believe that Kai was lured away and kidnapped against his will (which is only partially
true). He certainly has no interest in helping the crew to recover his lover only to hand him over to be brought back to Titan.
If it is made clear to Aquilo that Kai abandoned him and sought to flee Ganymede, his “love” turns immediately to a cold and
vengeful fury.
Still, even more important to Aquilo than Dardanus’ disappearance is his reputation. He cannot afford any sign of weak-
ness, including a willingness to prioritize Kai’s life above his reputation or business interests. Although he’s torn, Aquilo will
ultimately always choose to protect his pride. He has to punish anyone who openly defies him, and that includes both Kai
and Moneta.
Although Aquilo initially prefers for the crew to simply stay out of his business, he can be convinced of the value of working
with them, particularly since Moneta and others already know Aquilo’s local gang members. The player characters are wild
cards, and therefore potentially useful if they agree to share information or help Aquilo to recover Kai and deal with Moneta’s
gang in the process. Aquilo’s attitude toward the crew is initially Standoffish. If they can get him to Friendly, he’s at least
willing to consider some sort of temporary alliance.
One Warning
Parvati Moneta’s OPA cell maintains a hideout in some abandoned tunnels on Ganymede. They’re difficult to find without
some local insight into the station and its layout. It requires a TN 13 test like Communication (Investigation), Intelligence
(Research), or Intelligence (Security) to find them, and that’s only if the crew has some idea to look in the first place.
The hideout is always watched by at least four toughs who are members of Moneta’s OPA cell. Their attitude is Hostile to
any intruders, even if the PCs claim to only want to talk; they haven’t survived working with the OPA for this long by being
overly trusting.
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THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART Cupbearer
Negotiating with Moneta
The crew only shows up at the OPA’s hideout if they are Moneta’s prisoners, brought in by her people following Scene 3 or
Scene 4, or if they force their way in after finding the location. In the latter case, take a look at Scene 6: Purloined Treasure
for a confrontation. If Moneta looks to contact the characters and negotiate with them, she sets something up in neutral terri-
tory away from her home base (and Dardanus, who is being held there).
If the characters are brought in as prisoners, Moneta interrogates them as to who they are, what they are doing on Gany-
mede, and why they are looking for Kai Dardanus. Depending on their answers, she may warn them off, telling them to stop
looking and leave Ganymede as soon as they can, or she may decide to negotiate. The OPA leader has gotten in a bit over
her head. Taking Dardanus was supposed to provide leverage over Aquilo, but it has only provoked the crime boss and is
leading toward a confrontation no one wins.
If Moneta learns that Dardanus’ family is willing to pay to get him back to Titan, that’s something she can benefit from. It
only takes a successful TN 11 Communication (Bargaining or Persuasion) test to convince Moneta of the value of cooper-
ating, if the crew is willing to cut her in for a portion of the take, or to contact the Dardanus family about paying a ransom.
Moneta wants half of what Theo Dardanus promised the crew, but can be negotiated down from that. A successful TN 11
Communication (Bargaining) test knocks 5% times the result on the Drama Die off her desired share, with a minimum of
20% going to the OPA with a successful test and a “6” Drama Die result.
Moneta doesn’t mention the luxury goods in storage at the docks and looks to keep those to sell off for additional profit
later, but will include them in the negotiations if the crew brings them up. She refuses to tell the characters where Kai
Dardanus is, only that he’s alive and well and can be handed over to them once their deal is complete. If the crew makes
a poor impression or doesn’t even try negotiating with Moneta, they’re given the brush-off and told to leave, if meeting on
neutral ground. If they are the OPA’s prisoners, chances are Moneta decides to have them killed; jump to Scene 6 to give
the crew the chance to take action in the confusion.
SCENE 5
Testing the Waters Social Encounter
The Pinkwater corporation holds the primary security services contract for Ganymede. Naturally, they’re at least somewhat
interested in activities concerning a criminal gang, OPA members involved in illegal activities, and a possible kidnapping
operation on “their” station. Player characters being who they are, chances are good of them drawing the attention of secu-
rity on the station at some point during this story.
Crew members involved in obvious illegality or violence have to deal with a squad of Pinkwater Security Officers (see the
Allies & Adversaries section) at least equal in number to the known perpetrators. The officers are quick to call for backup if
things escalate or they turn out to be outnumbered. They don’t immediately resort to lethal force, but use it if the characters
do, or to defend themselves.
Even if the crew doesn’t draw Pinkwater’s attention by outright committing crimes on Ganymede, their investigation might
catch the eye of Wendell, the Pinkwater officer who is investigating rumors of something going on within Orn Aquilo’s gang
(see Allies & Adversaries for Wendell’s stats and description). Likewise, their investigation into Kai Dardanus’ whereabouts
and other poking around the station might draw attention. In these cases, Wendell may send some officers to issue an
“invitation” for the crew to speak with him at the security station, making it clear they shouldn’t say no unless they’d like
Pinkwater to come up with a set of reasons to charge and detain them.
A Conversation With Wendell Aren’t You…?
Officer Wendell doesn’t particularly care what the crew of the Sommelier is doing Astute readers of The Expanse novels may recall
on Ganymede, so long as it doesn’t disturb the peace or cause him any prob- a former Pinkwater employee named Wendell who
lems. He is interested, however, if it looks like the characters would be potentially encounters the crew of the Rocinante on Ganymede
useful to him in breaking up Aquilo’s gang, Moneta’s OPA cell, or both. following the outbreak of hostilities between Earth and
Mars. We’re not saying that this Wendell is necessarily
If the crew is brought in for criminal activity or anything Wendell can charge the same guy, but we’re not not saying that, either. If
them with, he interrogates them about who they are and why they’re on the any of your players take note or ask, feel free to just
station, making it clear he can pretty much throw them in a hole for as long as smile enigmatically and maybe award the observant
he wants. If they invoke the names of Amalthea Ambrosials, Theo Dardanus, player with 1d6 bonus Stunt Points they can use on
Kai Dardanus, or Orn Aquilo, they get Wendell’s attention. If the Pinkwater their next success.
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Cupbearer THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
officer arranges a meeting, he’s a bit more cordial, but still makes it clear he can make life very difficult for the characters if
they cross him in any way. He’s interested in any opportunity the crew presents to further his own goals.
While technically, Wendell should be protecting Kai Dardanus from the crew illegally kidnapping the young man and
taking him back home to Titan, the security officer considers that a negotiable point, especially if it gets rid of other criminal
elements on the station and removes a potential source of trouble. He’s willing to look the other way when it comes to the
“recovery” mission, even playing along if the crew claims Kai Dardanus wants to go with them.
Feel free to ask the players to make ability tests for social interactions during their conversation with officer Wendell,
but they aren’t really necessary. They don’t have to convince him of much, unless they try to outright lie, and they’ll find it
easier trying to make the already interested Wendell into an ally.
SCENE 6
Purloined Treasure Action/Social Encounter
Matters all come to a head in this scene, where the crew has a chance of getting at Kai Dardanus, one way or another. The
characters have followed the investigation trail from Scene 1 to learn that Kai is being held prisoner by Moneta’s gang in a
section of old, abandoned tunnels, and they are going to try to negotiate for his release or arrange for his escape, either
on their own or in cooperation with another faction. The following are some of the most likely ways things could happen.
On Their Own
Let the crew come up with their own plans for how to get at Dardanus and get him out of the tunnels and off the station. At
least initially, the young man is happy for any rescue that gets him away from his captors, and isn’t likely to question who the
characters are other than to assure himself they don’t work for Aquilo. If the crew gets Kai out of the tunnels, they can likely
get him back to their ship without any objections from him—at least until he finds out the crew intends to take him back to
his family on Titan.
Moneta and eight toughs guard the OPA hideout, with at least two standing guard at the small room where Dardanus is
locked up. The OPA members all know each other, so the crew isn’t going to be able to slip in by pretending to be anyone
else. If half of the toughs or Moneta are taken out, the gang gives up Dardanus to secure their own survival. The crew might
also be able to negotiate his release, provided they have enough leverage on Moneta or something else that she wants.
Approaching the OPA hideout undetected takes two tests: a TN 12 Intelligence (Security) test to overcome the various
sensors placed along the tunnels to pick up on intruders and a TN 12 Dexterity (Stealth) test to approach the threshold of
the hideout without being seen or heard. Only half of the characters need to succeed on the second test for the group to go
unnoticed, and only one character needs to succeed on the first test to overcome the sensors.
Moneta’s Trap
Once it becomes clear Aquilo won’t bargain for Kai’s life, Moneta instead uses him as bait for a trap, arranging for his lover’s
location to leak to Aquilo and then ambushing him and his gang when they come to liberate him. She might look to recruit
the crew to help set this trap, using them as her stalking horse. They can inform Aquilo about Kai’s whereabouts and lead
him into the trap, for example. This might be part of a deal the crew cuts with Moneta in One Warning in Scene 4.
The Rage of Aquilo
In addition to being lured in by Moneta, Aquilo may learn of Kai’s location on his own and decide to storm the place with his
gang, either to reclaim his lover or to punish his betrayal, and that of anyone helping him. This can happen during negotia-
Caliban in the Shadows
Readers of The Expanse novels know there are far worse things hiding out in the abandoned tunnels of Ganymede, including elements
of “Project: Caliban,” which has been abducting and experimenting on children with a rare immune disorder to create protomolecule
hybrids. While it’s unlikely for the crew to simply stumble upon this secret operation, they might find some small clue or another of
unusual activity in the tunnels, like a discarded child’s toy or piece of medical lab equipment. This could be a hint of things to come
before the Ganymede incident, where a hybrid attacks Martian marines on the surface.
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THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART Cupbearer
tions with Moneta (especially if they have hit an impasse or she has decided to eliminate the player characters) or while the
crew is executing their own plan. For example, they might be sneaking into the OPA hideout through a side tunnel just as
Aquilo’s gang launches their attack.
Aquilo might also recruit the crew to assist him and his gang in storming Moneta’s hideout and recovering Kai. This poses
a challenge for the player characters in terms of securing their target and getting him off the station, unless they plan to
double-cross Aquilo during the raid.
Pinkwater Cleans Up
At the same time as all of this is going on, Officer Wendell and Pinkwater Security forces might move on Aquilo, Moneta, or
both, depending on what they have learned during the course of the crew’s investigation and whatever deals the characters
might have cut with Wendell. As with the other two factions, Pinkwater might take action in conjunction with the crew or in
the midst of some other plan. At the least, if there’s a massive shoot-out in the tunnels, Pinkwater will be alerted and arrive
to investigate and mop up whatever’s left at the end.
Depending on how the characters play it, they might well have a three-way fire fight going on between the gang, the OPA,
and security while they try to get Kai out of there alive and back to their ship. In that kind of a dust-up, you don’t even have to
handle every attack by every NPC; just treat the whole thing as a kind of hazard for the group (see Hazards under Explora-
tion Encounters in the rules). Have each player roll a TN 11 Dexterity test each round to avoid getting hit by stray gunfire,
with a failed test resulting in 2d6 damage. No ability focus applies to this test.
Pursuit
You can have the crew get away clean if they manage to leave the scene and get out into the tunnels, much less the main
parts of the station, or you can require additional tests to reflect pursuit by one or more of the factions going after the char-
acters and their quarry.
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Cupbearer THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
Rough Sailing
If you have The Expanse Roleplaying Game rulebook and access to the full spaceship rules, you can add a scene at the end of
Cupbearer where the Sommelier is chased or attacked after leaving Ganymede station, either by one of the two factions (criminal
smugglers or the OPA) or someone else, like pirates after the cargo (be it Kai Dardanus, the goods from Amalthea, or both). This is an
opportunity to introduce to the players to space combat as well, a topic otherwise beyond the scope of this Quickstart. The Sommelier
has the stats of a Small Freighter from the Ships chapter of The Expanse. The attacking ship should be fairly lightweight, equal to an
armed Drop Shop, since a heavier military vessel would totally outmatch the characters’ vessel.
Handle the pursuit like an advanced TN 12 Constitution (Running) test with a 15 success threshold. Each pursuing party
also makes the test each turn. You can allow some alternate abilities and focuses, if the players describe it well, such as
Dexterity (Acrobatics) or Strength (Climbing). If the crew reaches the success threshold first, they escape clean. If a pursuer
reaches the threshold before them, they catch up to the crew and another combat may take place; roll a new initiative order
at that point. In this case, there might even be multiple pursuits before the crew gets away.
Epilogue
Cupbearer assumes the crew leaves Ganymede after the confrontation in Scene 6, having either gained their objective or
not. Chances are, they’ll have overstayed their welcome with one faction or another on the station.
Depending on how things went in the last scene, you can either have the crew uneventfully board their ship and leave the
station, or have a final encounter where somebody looks to even a score or keep them from leaving. In the latter case, an
ally might help the characters out at the last minute.
In the end, the crew either leaves Ganymede with Kai Dardanus or they don’t. If they fail to recover their target, their employer
is most disappointed and takes other steps, while quietly discouraging anyone from hiring the Sommelier or its crew. This might
force the characters into some difficult straits and a real need for other work, a definite hook for future adventures.
If the crew does get Kai off Ganymede, they find him less than enthused about the idea of returning to Titan. It’s up to
you whether he goes along quietly or tries to escape, although there aren’t a lot of places to go on board a small freighter
outbound from Jupiter to Saturn. They might decide to take him somewhere else, telling his family they couldn’t find him.
This largely has the same result as failing to recover him, although a grateful Kai might intercede with his family on the
crew’s behalf.
In the event that Kai Dardanus dies during the adventure, then the crew has made an enemy of Theo Dardanus, unless
they can somehow convince him it was someone else’s fault and direct his anger at them. Even then, Amalthea Ambrosials
blacklists the Sommelier, forcing the crew to look for employment opportunities elsewhere.
Rewards
If you want to play further Expanse adventures with the crew of the Sommelier, you can reward them for a successful job
by having their employer pay off any debt on their ship, giving them clear title and a new universe of options to explore
as free agents. They might even begin the process of refitting and upgrading the Sommelier to take on more dangerous
jobs than just carrying freight.
Loose Ends
One or more of the factions on Ganymede may still be around after the events of this adventure, and chances are they’ll
remember the crew and their interactions. Pinkwater Security is certainly still around, whether or not the particular officers
from Cupbearer survive, and might take note of the crew the next time they pass through Ganymede.
If they made a good or bad impression on Moneta, that could be passed along to some of her OPA contacts, changing
their attitudes toward the characters. Of course, the OPA isn’t a monolithic organization, and some of the more moderate
factions may take the opposite opinion of characters who helped or hindered Moneta’s ambitions.
If Aquilo survives the story, chances are he’s not well-disposed toward the crew and looks for an opportunity to get even
the next time they cross paths. Still, that may not be until after the Ganymede incident leads to a limited shooting war over
the moon. After that, with people fleeing Ganymede, Aquilo might not have the luxury of settling scores should a freighter
arrive with much-needed supplies.
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THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART Cupbearer
Allies & Adversaries
This section contains the descriptions and stats for the major antagonists and potential allies encountered during Cupbearer.
Kai Dardanus KAI DARDANUS
Kai Dardanus is a beautiful young man barely ABILITIES (FOCUSES)
out of his teens, who has had nearly every-
thing he wanted all his life except for genuine Accuracy 1, Communication 2 (Seduction),
affection and freedom of choice. His life was Constitution 1 (Tolerance), Dexterity 1,
defined by his family’s business and curtailed
by his family’s expectations, so much so that Fighting 0, Intelligence 1, Perception 1 (Intuition),
Kai took his first opportunity to leave home Strength 1, Willpower 0
and strike out on his own. He was quick to
exploit what he had: his looks, his sensual SPEED FORTUNE DEFENSE AR + TOU
nature, and his intuitive gift for saying and 11 10 11 1
doing the right things around people. At first,
Kai thought snagging Orn Aquilo was the WEAPON ATTACK ROLL DAMAGE
answer to his problems, but now he just finds Unarmed +0 1d3+1
himself trapped in a different sort of cage
than the one he left behind and he wants out. SPECIAL FEATURES
Kai’s goals are survival and escape from Aquilo and Ganymede, in that order, Favored Stunts: Impress, When a Plan Comes
and he’ll do whatever is necessary to achieve them. The player characters offer a Together
potential way off the station, which is of interest, but they also work for Kai’s family,
and he refuses to go back home. If he can cut some kind of a deal with them that Talents: Improvisation (Novice), Intrigue (Novice)
gets him what he wants, he’ll do it, but the crew shouldn’t be foolish enough to trust
him too far; if their goals are at cross-purposes, Kai will sell them out in a moment to Equipment: hand terminal
get what he needs. He’s definitely not above using his looks and his considerable
social skills to charm or seduce potential allies. Threat: Minor
Orn Aquilo, crime boss ORN AQUILO
Orn Aquilo has always been about what he ABILITIES (FOCUSES)
owns, what is his, and what he can control.
It drove him to ruthlessly work his way up Accuracy 2 (Pistols), Communication 1
through the ranks of Ganymede’s criminal (Deception), Constitution 2 (Tolerance),
gangs, using his unusual strength and size to Dexterity 0 (Initiative), Fighting 2 (Brawling),
his advantage. When he was a lieutenant and Intelligence 1 (Security), Perception 1,
a leg-breaker for other bosses, people tended Strength 2 (Intimidation), Willpower 1
to underestimate his intellect and ambition, but
few people underestimate Aquilo now. He has SPEED FORTUNE DEFENSE AR + TOU
an up-and-coming reputation on the station as 10 18 10 3
a man who can make things happen, who can
particularly acquire things and get them where WEAPON ATTACK ROLL DAMAGE
they need to be, for a price. Knife +3 1d6+2
Pistol +4 2d6+1
Kai caught Aquilo’s eye and the crime boss +4 1d3+2
says and thinks that he loves him, in his own fashion. The things is, love is just Unarmed
another name for ownership to Aquilo, and Kai is just a prized possession. He wants SPECIAL FEATURES
his paramour back, but Aquilo can’t put up with any disloyalty, and if he can’t have
Kai, then nobody is going to have him. Favored Stunts: Duck and Weave, Shock and Awe
Orn Aquilo is tall like most Belters but surprisingly broad as well, powerfully Talents: Carousing (Novice), Inspire (Novice),
muscled, with dark brown hair and a full beard that splits into an easy, savage grin. Striking Style (Novice)
Equipment: hand terminal, knife, light body armor,
pistol
Threat: Minor
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Cupbearer THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART
PARVATI MONETA His dark eyes are fiery when he’s feeling in good humor or angry. Aquilo is in his late
30s, still a fairly young man, although an elder by the standards for the underworld.
ABILITIES (FOCUSES)
Parvati Moneta, OPA cell leader
Accuracy 1 (Pistols), Communication 1
(Bargaining, Deception), Constitution 1, Parvati Moneta has been a scavenger all of
Dexterity 2, Fighting 1 (Light Weapons), her life, making do with whatever she could
Intelligence 1 (Evaluation), Perception 1 find—or steal. It’s the way things are. The rich
(Intuition, Searching), Strength 0 (Intimidation), and powerful have and take what they want,
and the rest of the system lives off what-
Willpower 1 (Self-Discipline) ever scraps fall from their table. Parvati has
learned where to find and collect all of the
SPEED FORTUNE DEFENSE AR + TOU best scraps, so much so that she can afford
12 15 12 2 to sell some to those able to pay, and maybe
have the potential to begin changing the
WEAPON ATTACK ROLL DAMAGE game a little. Like a lot of Belters aligned with
1d6+2 the Outer Planets Alliance, Parvati is tired
Knife +3 2d6+1 of the exploitation of the Inner Planets, and
Pistol +3 1d3 wants to give the Belters a seat at the table
Unarmed +1 rather than lurking under it.
SPECIAL FEATURES Moneta’s goal is to build her power base on Ganymede Station, sensing that big
things are happening. After Eros, chances are good the Inner Planets will go to war
Favored Stunts: The Upper Hand, Lightning at any time, and that will be when the OPA and the Belt can act. Of course, one of the
Attack, Skirmish obstacles in Moneta’s way is Orn Aquilo’s influence over the black market on Gany-
mede, but now fate has offered her leverage against Aquilo along with some valuable
Talents: Contacts (Novice), Inspire (Novice), Pistol cargo in the bargain. The crime boss’s latest boy-toy wants out, and is willing to betray
Style (Novice) his lover to get it, which suits Parvati just fine.
Equipment: hand terminal, knives, light armor, Parvati Moneta has the tall, thin build of a Belter, her heritage primarily South
pistol Asian and Mediterranean. Her straight black hair is worn long on one side, almost
completely shaved on the other, and she bears a Belter neck tattoo as well as an OPA
Threat: Minor split circle on her right bicep. Moneta is lean and graceful and particularly good with
a knife in close combat; she always carries at least two concealed on her person.
WENDELL
Wendell, Pinkwater Officer
ABILITIES (FOCUSES)
Wendell (the only name he gives) is a ranking
Accuracy 2 (Pistols), Communication 2 officer with Pinkwater, assigned to the secu-
(Etiquette), Constitution 0, Dexterity 2, rity company’s criminal division. In essence,
Fighting 2, Intelligence 1 (Law, Tactics), Wendell and his personnel are the ones
assigned to crack heads together when Pink-
Perception 1 (Searching), Strength 2, water needs it done, all in the name of law
Willpower 1 (Self-Discipline) and order on Ganymede, of course. Of late,
Wendell and his bosses have been paying
SPEED FORTUNE DEFENSE AR + TOU attention to rumbles of trouble from Orn
11 15 11 4 Aquilo and his gang, and the Pinkwater officer
would love an excuse to take Aquilo and his
WEAPON ATTACK ROLL DAMAGE operation down.
Baton
Pistol +2 1d6+2 Wendell is a beefy Martian with a grav-
Taser elly voice and a slow drawl, his hair in a
+4 2d6+2 very short, military-style cut. His work with Pinkwater is just a job, one that gives
Wendell the opportunity to kick some ass legally while getting paid to do it. He’s less
+4 1d6+2 penetrating concerned about law (or “justice”) than ensuring that things on Ganymede stay quiet
and orderly until his next performance review.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Favored Stunts: And Another Thing, Skirmish,
When a Plan Comes Together
Talents: Intrigue (Novice), Pinpoint Accuracy
(Novice), Pistol Style (Novice), Striking Style
(Novice)
Equipment: baton, medium body armor, pistol,
taser
Threat: Minor
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THE EXPANSE RPG QUICKSTART Cupbearer
Tough TOUGH PINKWATER SECURITY OFFICER
These Tough stats fit the ABILITIES (FOCUSES) ABILITIES (FOCUSES)
members of Aquilo’s and Mone-
ta’s underworld gangs on Gany- Accuracy 0 (Pistols), Communication 0 Accuracy 1 (Pistols), Communication 1,
mede. Feel free to vary their (Bargaining, Deception), Constitution 2, Constitution 1, Dexterity 1, Fighting 2
game traits a bit and to come (Light Weapons), Intelligence 0 (Security, Tactics),
up with names and descriptions Dexterity 1, Fighting 2, Intelligence 0, Perception 2 (Searching), Strength 2, Willpower 1
as you see fit. See the Cast Perception 1, Strength 2, Willpower 0
of Thousands sidebar earlier
in the adventure for a quick SPEED FORTUNE DEFENSE AR + TOU SPEED FORTUNE DEFENSE AR + TOU
descriptive resource. 11 17 11 2 0 5 11 5
WEAPON ATTACK ROLL DAMAGE WEAPON ATTACK ROLL DAMAGE
Knife +2 1d6+2 Baton
+2 1d3+2 Pistol +4 1d6+2
Knuckle Dusters Taser
+3 2d6+2
Pinkwater Security Officer Pistol +2 2d6+1 +3 1d6+2 penetrating
SPECIAL FEATURES SPECIAL FEATURES
Pinkwater Security is a private Favored Stunts: Knock Prone, Taunt Favored Stunts: Double-Team, Knock Prone,
security company holding the Talents: Contacts (Novice), Intrigue (Novice) Vicious Blow
largest public safety contract on Equipment: hand terminal, knife, knuckle
Ganymede. They are respon- dusters, pistol Talents: Pistol Style (Novice)
sible for keeping the peace
and enforcing laws in all areas Threat: Minor Equipment: baton, medium body armor, pistol,
taser
outside of direct corporate Threat: Minor
control and policing. Their officers are well-trained, but the distance from their Martian
overseers, as well as a corporate board always looking to cut costs, allows for not-insig-
nificant levels of graft and abuse of power.
The EXpanse RPg Quickstart
The Expanse Created by James S.A. Corey
Design & Development: Steve Kenson Editing: Josh Vogt
Proofreading: Samantha Chapman Graphic Design & Art Direction: Hal Mangold
Front Cover Art: Victor Leza Moreno Back Cover Art: Biagio D’Aslessandro, Ferdinand D. Ladera,
Interior Art: Justin Adams, Biagio D’Aslessandro, Ferdinand D. Ladera,
Andrei Meister, Mirco Paganessi, Michele Parisi, Andrey Vasilchenko
Publisher: Chris Pramas
Green Ronin Staff: Joseph Carriker, Crystal Frasier, Jaym Gates, Kara Hamilton, Steve Kenson, Nicole Lindroos,
Hal Mangold, Jack Norris, Chris Pramas, Evan Sass, Marc Schmalz, Malcolm Sheppard, Mat Smith, Will Sobel,
Owen K.C. Stephens, Dylan Templar, Veronica Templar, and Barry Wilson
The Expanse Quickstart is ©2018 Green Ronin Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. References to other
copyrighted material in no way constitute a challenge to the respective copyright holders of that material.
Green Ronin, The Expanse Roleplaying Game, and their associated logos are trademarks of
Green Ronin Publishing, LLC. The Expanse is © 2011-2018 Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck.
GREEN RONIN PUBLISHING
3815 S. Othello St.,
Suite 100 #304
Seattle, WA 98118
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.greenronin.com
Printed in USA
27
Addison “Addy” Grant Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use.
“I don’t know what’s in it or where
it’s from, but I guarantee it’ll get
you where you’re goin’. Want some?”
Background
What’s a Martian, a participant by birth in the Great
Endeavor, doing so far out away from home? Just having
a good time and putting your talents to use, things that
were increasingly difficult to do back on Mars. In some
ways, you were born too late. There was a whole genera-
tion of Martian pioneers who worked with their hands, tackled
technical challenges all day, and liked to unwind and blow off
some steam when the work was done. They knew how to live.
Nowadays, if you’re good at fixing things on Mars, you’re nothing
but a glorified handyman or superintendent—or worse, tech
support—and the old rough-and-tumble bars are restaurants and
spas these days. So you found your way out to the new frontier,
to the Belt and the Outer Planets, where the pioneer spirit of old
is still alive, you’re valued for being able to keep a bunch of tech
together with nothing but spit and bailing wire, and nobody cares
what you do with your off-hours.
Description
You’re proof that blond hair, blue eyes, and a winning smile can
get you through a lot, especially combined with a certain zest
for life. Your stamina is deceptive, and you have drunk much
bigger people under the table. You keep on going until the
job is done. You’ve also learned to take “You’re smarter than
you look” as a compliment; might as well, since you hear it
so often.
You are an engineer with a zest for life who’s
good at fixing things and making friends.
Addison “Addy” Grant
Origin: Martian Background: Trade Accuracy 2
Social Class: Middle Profession: technician
This ability measures aim and precision, and measures
3D6 + ABILITY SCORE + FOCUS BONUS (+2) VS. TARGET NUMBER Addison’s capacity to hit with ranged or thrown weapons.
Talents Communication 1
CAROUSING NOVICE This ability covers Addison’s social skills and generally
making friends and influencing people.
When making Constitution (Tolerance) advanced tests, you gain a
+1 bonus to the result of each Drama Die. Constitution 2
IMPROVISATION NOVICE This ability is Addison’s overall health, fortitude, and
resistance to harm, illness, and fatigue.
Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use. You can make an ability test requiring a specific focus even if you
don’t have it. TOLERANCE: This focus helps Addison to withstand the
effects of potentially toxic substances, whether imbibed
MAKER NOVICE for recreation or by unwitting exposure.
You can use Intelligence (Engineering) to make items with the Dexterity 2
appropriate tools and materials.
This ability covers deftness, agility, and reaction time,
Drive affecting how quickly and gracefully Addison moves.
ECSTATIC: Your quality is zest for life and general willingness to Fighting 1
try new things. Your downfall is irresponsibility and a tendency to
This ability is Addison’s capability in close combat,
overdo enjoyment at times. ranging from a brawl to wielding weapons.
Relationships Intelligence 2
THE CREW OF THE SOMMELIER 1: Once per game session you This ability measures Addison’s reasoning, memory,
can get as many SP as your Relationship rating to perform any problem-solving, and overall knowledge.
stunt that would be in-character when it comes to helping other
members of the crew of the Sommelier. You choose this after you ENGINEERING: This focus helps Addison when making,
see if you succeed on a test. repairing, and maintaining technological items as well
as knowledge of the principles and practicalities of their
Attacks BONUS DAMAGE design and development.
+2 2d6+1
ATTACK +1 1d3 TECHNOLOGY: This focus helps Addison with knowl-
Pistol edge of the design and operation of technology, partic-
Unarmed ularly computers.
Defense 12 Speed 12 Toughness 2 Perception 1
Defense = 10 + Dex SpEEd = 10 + Dex TouUGHNESS = Con + Armor This ability is Addison’s capacity to pick up on and notice
things using any of his senses.
Fortune 20
Strength 0
CONDITIONS
This ability rates Addison’s sheer muscle power and the
Income 2 Income test = 3d6 + Income vs. Cost TN ability to apply it, from lifting heavy things to feats of athletics.
Willpower 2
This ability measures Addison’s self-control, self-
discipline, mental fortitude, and confidence.
Ade Akintola Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use.
“I’m sure if we all just calm down and talk
about this, that we can work out something
mutually beneficial to us all.”
Background
Born and raised in the Central African Shared Interest Zone
on Earth, you experienced a relatively comfortable child-
hood and youth because of your family’s wealth and busi-
ness interests. That also produced expectations on you: to
behave properly, to learn, and to succeed. Although you
were given a number of advantages, you were expected
to make the most of them. That led to an extended “work
study” in the Outer Planets to learn about all of the aspects
of shipping and trade, with the largest flow of resources and
goods in the system being a closed loop between the Belt
and the Outers, and the Inner Planets, particularly Earth.
Seeing life away from Earth has certainly been a broad-
ening experience, not necessarily in all of the ways your
family intended. Still, you have ambitions of doing well and
proving your leadership and management skills, including
dealing with those who wrongly assume that you have been
given things simply by accident of birth.
Description
You have the build and musculature of an Earther, no mistaking it,
nor the features of your Yoruban African ancestry. You have a fair
amount of personal style, and enjoy dressing and presenting your-
self well. That said, you tend to “dress down” just slightly on the job,
artfully making sure you don’t look too good. You’re comfortable in
social situations and have a natural way with people.
You are a natural leader with
ambition and an eye for intrigue.
ADE AKINTOLA
Origin: Earther Background: Aristocratic Accuracy 2
Social Class: UpPER Profession: Executive
This ability measures aim and precision, and measures
3D6 + ABILITY SCORE + FOCUS BONUS (+2) VS. TARGET NUMBER Ade’s capacity to hit with ranged or thrown weapons.
Communication 3
Talents This ability covers Ade’s social skills and generally
making friends and influencing people.
CONTACTS NOVICE
LEADERSHIP: This focus helps Ade when guiding,
You can make an NPC with a Neutral or better attitude into a directing, and inspiring others.
contact with a successful Communication (Persuasion) test.
Constitution 0
INSPIRE NOVICE
This ability is Ade’s overall health, fortitude, and
Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use. If you are conscious and allies are within sight of you, they gain +1 resistance to harm, illness, and fatigue.
on all Willpower tests.
Dexterity 1
INTRIGUE NOVICE
This ability covers deftness, agility, and reaction time,
If you fail a Communication (Deception) test, you can re-roll and affecting how quickly and gracefully Ade moves.
keep the result of the second roll.
Fighting 1
Drive
This ability is Ade’s capability in close combat, ranging
ACHIEVER: Your quality is ambition, knowing what you want and from a brawl to wielding weapons.
going after it. Your downfall is obsession, too focused on your
Intelligence 2
goals to see anything (or anyone) else.
This ability measures Ade’s reasoning, memory, problem-
Relationships solving, and overall knowledge.
THE CREW OF THE SOMMELIER 1: Once per game session you HISTORY: This focus helps Ade with knowing important
can get as many SP as your Relationship rating to perform any events, places, items, and personalities from the past.
stunt that would be in-character when it comes to helping other
members of the crew of the Sommelier. You choose this after you
see if you succeed on a test.
Attacks BONUS DAMAGE Perception 3
+2 2d6+1
ATTACK +1 1d3+1 This ability is Ade’s capacity to pick up on and notice
Pistol things using any of his senses.
Unarmed
Strength 1
Defense 11 Speed 11 Toughness 0
This ability rates Ade’s sheer muscle power and the ability
Defense = 10 + Dex SpEEd = 10 + Dex TouUGHNESS = Con + Armor to apply it, from lifting heavy things to feats of athletics.
Fortune 15 Willpower 2
CONDITIONS This ability measures Ade’s self-control, self-discipline,
mental fortitude, and confidence.
SELF-DISCIPLINE: This focus helps Ade when he is
trying to focus his mental energy or control his impulses
and emotions.
Income 6 Income test = 3d6 + Income vs. Cost TN
Casey Khatri Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
But then, if I were you, maybe I would
want to end my miserable existence.”
Background
Your dad used to tell a dumb joke about how your family was
so Martian that you bled red, but it’s true. Your ancestors
were some of the first settlers in the Mariner Valley, and you
were raised to be proud of that heritage and everything
Mars was looking to achieve. Although earlier generations
of your family were technicians and engineers, you were
always one of the bigger and stronger kids, and there was
no doubt that you were going to sign on with the Martian
military. Turns out, however, that military superiors like their
orders followed and, well, sometimes you thought that you
knew better. After you left the service, you tried your hand
working private security in the Outer Planets, with pretty
much the same results. So you moved on to freelance secu-
rity work on various ships, still looking for that place where
you fit in.
Description
You’re tall (even for a Martian) and in great shape, with the features
of your South Asian Indian ancestors, but the distinctive twang of
a Mariner Valley accent by way of Texas. You have an easy smile
and you like to think you’re friendly, if only people will see that you
know how to get things done in the most efficient way. You tend to
spend off time either exercising or tinkering, and your technical
know-how has helped you out at least as much as your knack
for knocking heads.
You are an ex-soldier, good to have in
a brawl as well as when it comes to
putting things together.
Casey Khatri
Origin: Martian Background: Laborer Accuracy 2
Social Class: Lower Profession: Soldier This ability measures aim and precision, and measures
Casey’s capacity to hit with ranged or thrown weapons.
3D6 + ABILITY SCORE + FOCUS BONUS (+2) VS. TARGET NUMBER Communication 0
Talents This ability covers Casey’s social skills and generally
making friends and influencing people.
GRAPPLING STYLE NOVICE
Constitution 2
If you fail an opposed Fighting (Grappling) test to avoid being
grappled, you can re-roll it and keep your second roll. This ability is Casey’s overall health, fortitude, and
resistance to harm, illness, and fatigue.
MAKER NOVICE
Dexterity 2
Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use. You can use Intelligence (Engineering) to make items with the
appropriate tools and materials. This ability covers deftness, agility, and reaction time,
affecting how quickly and gracefully Casey moves.
STRIKING STYLE NOVICE
Fighting 3
Your unarmed attacks do a base 1d6 damage.
This ability is Casey’s capability in close combat, ranging
Drive from a brawl to wielding weapons.
BUILDER: Your quality is organization, figuring out how to struc- BRAWLING: This focus shows Casey’s proficiency in
ture things so they work. Your downfall is stubbornness, so fighting unarmed, from bare-knuckle boxing to various
styles of martial arts.
caught up in structure that you lose flexibility.
Intelligence 0
Relationships
This ability measures Casey’s reasoning, memory,
THE CREW OF THE SOMMELIER 1: Once per game session you problem-solving, and overall knowledge.
can get as many SP as your Relationship rating to perform any
stunt that would be in-character when it comes to helping other ENGINEERING: This focus helps Casey when making,
members of the crew of the Sommelier. You choose this after you repairing, and maintaining technological items as well
see if you succeed on a test. as knowledge of the principles and practicalities of their
design and development.
Attacks BONUS DAMAGE
+2 2d6+1 Perception 1
ATTACK +5 1d6+3
Pistol This ability is Casey’s capacity to pick up on and notice
Unarmed things using any of her senses.
Defense 12 Speed 12 Toughness 2 Strength 3
Defense = 10 + Dex SpEEd = 10 + Dex TouUGHNESS = Con + Armor This ability rates Casey’s sheer muscle power and the
ability to apply it, from lifting heavy things to feats of
Fortune 20 athletics.
CONDITIONS MIGHT: This focus helps Casey with feats of raw power,
such as lifting or holding up heavy objects.
Income 2 Income test = 3d6 + Income vs. Cost TN Willpower 1
This ability measures Casey’s self-control, self-discipline,
mental fortitude, and confidence.
Chao Zhang Sokolov Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use.
“Don’t try to move,
just lie still. It’ll be
alright, I promise.”
Background
Like a lot of Belters, you were born on Ganymede Station, but
you also grew up there. Your parents were well-educated, your
father an engineering teacher and your mother a botanist,
at least until she got sick. You did well enough in school,
but spent a lot of time exploring the unused
areas of the station. After your mother
died, you and your dad kind of drifted
apart, and you became more and more
involved with Belter political causes,
which led you to the Outer Planets
Alliance. OPA friends benefitted
from your knack for getting around
station security, but that didn’t keep you from getting
into trouble. That meant the end of higher education and finishing
pre-med for you, and you and your father haven’t spoken since
he bailed you out. You left Ganymede behind and have used
your connections to make a life for yourself in the Belt, wondering
whether to further devote yourself to the OPA cause, or if maybe
they’ve already gotten enough from you.
Description
Your heritage is primarily Chinese, Siberian, and Russian. Like
most Belters, you’re tall and thin, although life on Ganymede with
medically-connected parents spared you from any childhood scars
or major medical issues. You have a split-circle OPA tattoo on the
inside of your left forearm, and alternate between flaunting it and
discretely covering it up, depending on circumstances and your mood.
You are a compassionate medic with a
criminal past, and the skills to match.
Chao Zhang Sokolov
Origin: Belter Background: Academic Accuracy 2
Social Class: Middle Profession: Expert
This ability measures aim and precision, and measures
3D6 + ABILITY SCORE + FOCUS BONUS (+2) VS. TARGET NUMBER Chao’s capacity to hit with ranged or thrown weapons.
Talents Communication 2
EXPERTISE (SECURITY) NOVICE This ability covers Chao’s social skills and generally
making friends and influencing people.
You have an additional +1 on Intelligence (Security) tests to fool or
bypass security sensors. Constitution 0
KNOWLEDGE NOVICE This ability is Chao’s overall health, fortitude, and
resistance to harm, illness, and fatigue.
Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use. When you succeed on an Intelligence test with a knowledge focus,
you gain an extra piece of information. Dexterity 2
MEDIC NOVICE This ability covers deftness, agility, and reaction time,
affecting how quickly and gracefully Chao moves.
Your treatment allows patients to add +5 to tests to overcome a
medical hazard or grants a new test to overcome that hazard, if Fighting 1
there is one. This includes saving a patient from dying or reviving
an unconscious patient. This ability is Chao’s capability in close combat, ranging
from a brawl to wielding weapons.
Drive
Intelligence 3
CAREGIVER: Your quality is compassion, naturally responding to
others’ needs. Your downfall is self-sacrifice, a tendency to place This ability measures Chao’s reasoning, memory, problem-
solving, and overall knowledge.
those needs above your own.
MEDICINE: This focus helps Chao when tending to the
Relationships sick and injured, and shows his medical and anatomical
knowledge.
THE CREW OF THE SOMMELIER 1: Once per game session you
can get as many SP as your Relationship rating to perform any SECURITY: This focus accounts for Chao’s knowledge
stunt that would be in-character when it comes to helping other of different security devices, systems, protocols, and
members of the crew of the Sommelier. You choose this after you personnel.
see if you succeed on a test.
Attacks BONUS DAMAGE Perception 1
+2 2d6+1
ATTACK +1 1d3+1 This ability is Chao’s capacity to pick up on and notice
Pistol things using any of his senses.
Unarmed
Strength 1
Defense 12 Speed 12 Toughness 0
This ability rates Chao’s sheer muscle power and the
Defense = 10 + Dex SpEEd = 10 + Dex TouUGHNESS = Con + Armor ability to apply it, from lifting heavy things to feats of
athletics.
Fortune 15
Willpower 2
CONDITIONS
This ability measures Chao’s self-control, self-discipline,
Income 4 Income test = 3d6 + Income vs. Cost TN mental fortitude, and confidence.
SELF-DISCIPLINE: This focus helps Chao when he is
trying to focus his mental energy or control his impulses
and emotions.
Izzy moon Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use.
“Sabez tech, not people. I do what I know,
you do what you know, sa-sa?
Background
You were born on Ganymede like many Belters, but lived
your early life in a tiny ship hopping from rock to rock in
the Belt, looking for mining opportunities. You’ve been
at home with technology since childhood and displayed
a knack for it, which your family encouraged to the best
of their ability. You learned a great deal from online
resources, downloads, and trial-and-error but, still, access
to higher education was limited for a Belter kid like you.
Eventually, you ended up using your burgeoning skills
to acquire the information you needed illegally. That
brought attention from certain criminal elements who
were happy to employ your skills, and you were fine
with that until you worried about getting in
too deep. Now you’re generally looking to
stay legit and to find ways to cut your old
ties with organized crime, or at least avoid
their notice until you can.
Description
Your heritage is predominantly Korean and
Brazilian, and you have the long, lanky build
of someone born and raised in microgravity.
You tend to dress more for comfort and prac-
ticality than style, going for a utility jumpsuit
over a T-shirt, for example. You usually have
a toolkit close at hand and useful small tools
in your various pockets.
You are a smart, self-taught
hacker who knows how to
make do with what’s at hand.
Izzy Moon
Origin: Belter Background: Urban (station) Accuracy 3
Social Class: Lower Profession: Technician
This ability measures aim and precision, and measures
3D6 + ABILITY SCORE + FOCUS BONUS (+2) VS. TARGET NUMBER Izzy’s capacity to hit with ranged or thrown weapons.
Communication 1
Talents This ability covers Izzy’s social skills and generally making
friends and influencing people.
HACKING NOVICE
Constitution 0
Gain an extra piece of info from Intelligence tests involving tech
and use Intelligence (Technology) for investigation. This ability is Izzy’s overall health, fortitude, and
resistance to harm, illness, and fatigue.
IMPROVISATION NOVICE
Dexterity 3
Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use. You can make an ability test requiring a specific focus even if you
don’t have it. This ability covers deftness, agility, and reaction time,
affecting how quickly and gracefully Izzy moves.
MISDIRECTION NOVICE
Fighting 1
Make a Communication test against an opponent’s Willpower
(Self-Discipline). If you win, your opponent cannot perform stunts This ability is Izzy’s capability in close combat, ranging
until the end of your next turn. from a brawl to wielding weapons.
Drive Intelligence 3
REBEL: Your quality is innovation, the ability to look at things from This ability measures Izzy’s reasoning, memory, problem-
angles no one else has considered. Your downfall is defiance, a solving, and overall knowledge.
dislike of conformity, conventionality, and doing what you’re told. TECHNOLOGY: This focus helps Izzy with knowledge
of the design and operation of technology, particularly
Relationships computers.
THE CREW OF THE SOMMELIER 1: Once per game session you Perception 1
can get as many SP as your Relationship rating to perform any
stunt that would be in-character when it comes to helping other This ability is Izzy’s capacity to pick up on and notice
members of the crew of the Sommelier. You choose this after you things using any of her senses.
see if you succeed on a test.
Strength 1
Attacks BONUS DAMAGE
+2 2d6+1 This ability rates Izzy’s sheer muscle power and the ability
ATTACK +1 1d3+1 to apply it, from lifting heavy things to feats of athletics.
Pistol
Unarmed
Defense 13 Speed 13 Toughness 0 Willpower 2
Defense = 10 + Dex SpEEd = 10 + Dex TouUGHNESS = Con + Armor This ability measures Izzy’s self-control, self-discipline,
mental fortitude, and confidence.
Fortune 15
CONDITIONS
Income 2 Income test = 3d6 + Income vs. Cost TN
Nico Velez Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use.
“Hang on!
Time for some heavy Gs!”
Background
Like billions of people on Earth, your family lived on
Basic Assistance, getting by living in government subsi-
dized housing in the vast sprawl of Brasilia in the South
American Shared Interest Zone. You joined the United
Nations Navy as a way of leaving that kind of life
behind, and trained as a pilot. The strict rule of
military life wasn’t for you, however. You managed
not to get drummed out (barely) but you weren’t
looking to sign on for another hitch, either. You
took your skills, cashed out, and headed for the
Belt. Most of the ships you fly these days aren’t
as sexy as state-of-the-art military vessels, but
you’re still flying nevertheless.
Description
On Earth, you’d be considered a touch below average height,
emphasized a bit more by how tall Belters and even Martians
tend to be. You have Latinx features and slim, dexterous
hands, and some have described your dark brown eyes as
“smoldering.” You keep your black hair almost military-short, a
habit you got into that still serves well on board ships and stations.
You are a cynical pilot, trained in the United
Nations Navy but not suited for the military life.
Nico Velez
Origin: Earther Background: Military Accuracy 2
Social Class: Middle Profession: Pilot This ability measures aim and precision, and measures
Nico’s capacity to hit with ranged or thrown weapons.
3D6 + ABILITY SCORE + FOCUS BONUS (+2) VS. TARGET NUMBER PISTOLS: This focus shows Nico’s proficiency with
single-grip, short-barrel ballistic weapons.
Talents Communication 0
FRINGER NOVICE This ability covers Nico’s social skills and generally
making friends and influencing people.
Other characters suffer a –2 penalty to test to find information
about you or your activities. Constitution 1
PILOT NOVICE This ability is Nico’s overall health, fortitude, and
resistance to harm, illness, and fatigue.
Permission is granted to reproduce this page for personal use. Starting up a vehicle is a free action for you and you can perform
Dexterity (Driving or Piloting) tests as minor actions. Dexterity 3
PISTOL STYLE NOVICE This ability covers deftness, agility, and reaction time,
affecting how quickly and gracefully Nico moves.
You gain a +1 bonus to damage with pistols against targets closer
than 6 meters. PILOTING: This focus helps Nico when operating vehi-
cles that move in three dimensions like aircraft, drones,
Drive and spaceships.
SURVIVOR: Your quality is preparedness: you survive by being Fighting 2
ready for anything. Your downfall is cynicism: you’re always antic-
This ability is Nico’s capability in close combat, ranging
ipating and preparing for the worst. from a brawl to wielding weapons.
Relationships Intelligence 1
THE CREW OF THE SOMMELIER 1: Once per game session you This ability measures Nico’s reasoning, memory, problem-
can get as many SP as your Relationship rating to perform any solving, and overall knowledge.
stunt that would be in-character when it comes to helping other
members of the crew of the Sommelier. You choose this after you Perception 2
see if you succeed on a test.
This ability is Nico’s capacity to pick up on and notice
Attacks BONUS DAMAGE things using any of her senses.
+4 2d6+2
ATTACK +2 1d3+1 SEARCHING: This focus helps Nico with finding things
Pistol that are hidden or obscured, such as hidden compart-
Unarmed ments.
Defense 13 Speed 13 Toughness 1
Defense = 10 + Dex SpEEd = 10 + Dex TouUGHNESS = Con + Armor Strength 1
Fortune 20 This ability rates Nico’s sheer muscle power and the
ability to apply it, from lifting heavy things to feats of
CONDITIONS athletics.
Willpower 1
Income 4 This ability measures Nico’s self-control, self-discipline,
mental fortitude, and confidence.
Income test = 3d6 + Income vs. Cost TN
James S. A. Corey’s
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Modern AGE Basic Rulebook is ©2018 Green Ronin Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. References to other copyrighted material in no way constitute a challenge to the respective GRR Sci-fi roleplaying at humanity’s Edge
copyright holders of that material. Green Ronin, Fantasy AGE, the Adventure Game Engine, and their associated logos are trademarks of Green Ronin Publishing, LLC. 6601
pected new turn. The Expanse RPG applies the fast-
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